Asbestos in Connecticut

Connecticut asbestos has been found in a variety of public places, including restaurants, schools, and many businesses.  Chemical factories and shipyards are naturally suspect as they typically contain asbestos fibers.  Even though only one location in the state, Torrington, actually processed the toxic substance, asbestos exposure is notably contained within New Haven, Hartford, and Fairfield, Connecticut.  Shipyards and power plants that are known to be at risk for asbestos exposure include Groton Electric Boat Company, Groton Naval Base, Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Plant, and the Millstone Power Plant.

Connecticut Asbestos Regulations

The Public Health Department of the state recognizes Connecticut asbestos as a health hazard.  Asbestos is a mineral whose fibers, when they become friable or brittle, can release asbestos particles into the air, which can get into your lungs and do physical damage to your health.

Contractors have to be licensed in Connecticut in the special procedures of removing asbestos.  A site has to be inspected and tested by a professionally licensed Connecticut asbestos contractor.  These certified workers adhere to the rules as administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Several regulations must be strictly enforced in Connecticut asbestos regulations.  First, all materials must be wetted to minimize escaping dust particles.  Second, if working from heights, any asbestos pieces must be lowered with gentleness and great care to the ground.  Also, any and all supplies used cannot be removed from the site before being thoroughly and properly cleaned.

Asbestos Dangers

Asbestos is the most dangerous when it becomes brittle, or what they call “friable.”  This happens when it is disturbed or damaged in some way.  When asbestos is disturbed, very small particles release into the air and can attach to the air sacs of the lungs.  It is when these particles are inhaled that they can attack the membranes lining your lungs, resulting in scarring or possibly cancer.  Mesothelioma is the name given to this often deadly cancer which can affect not only your lungs, but your heart and abdomen as well.  It is sneaky; it is latent; it is aggressive; and it can be deadly.  A condition known as Asbestosis, which comes from breathing in asbestos fibers, can lead to decreased lung capacity.

• Factory Fire Releases Asbestos Into the Air.  In August 2009, a factory that used to be a paper mill caught on fire.  The Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation was located in Torrington and was no longer in use for that purpose.  It was being used by another local business for storage.  Among the ashes, signs were discovered that asbestos fibers had been present.  A witness described how the roof collapsed.  Roofing materials often contained asbestos. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection tested air samples after the fire and found asbestos particles in half the samples tested.  You can read the entire story at this web site, Mesothelioma.

• University of Connecticut Replaces Old Buildings.  In August 2009, the University of Connecticut announced it was accepting bids for an Asbestos Abatement Project.  Construction is expected to begin soon on two new classroom buildings that will replace the current structures, the Monteith and Arjona spaces, which were built in 1959.  It was recently discovered that the Arjona building contains asbestos.  The structures are two of the most heavily used classrooms on the university’s campus and are in extreme need of repairs.  They have experienced roofing problems and asbestos was found in the floor tiles.  The floor tiles have been replaced or covered until the new buildings are completed.

If you think you or a family member may be at risk for asbestos exposure, get asbestos help in Connecticut by contacting an asbestos attorney today to discuss the circumstances of your situation.

Asbestos Cases Resulting in Death

In the 20 years between 1979 and 1999, 498 deaths were reported from asbestos-related causes.  Mesothelioma was the diagnoses in exactly half those deaths, while Asbestosis accounted for the other half.  The mesothelioma cases were stated to have occurred in urban areas, which seems to be typical.  The Old Saybrook, Connecticut web page may help you understand a little bit more about asbestos contamination in the state.  An asbestos attorney can help you disseminate the information in your situation and discuss if you are eligible for legal recourse.

Get Help for Asbestos

If you have reason to believe you have been exposed to asbestos, whether particles, dust, or fibers, you can get asbestos help in Connecticut today by contacting an asbestos attorney to possibly seek recourse for being a victim in that situation.