Johnstown, Pennsylvania, located in the western-central area of the state, is not a stranger to asbestos. A few years ago, asbestos was released in Johnstown, PA after the demolition of a building. This building was a historic building in the area, known as the Conrad building. The Conrad building was built in 1908 and a resident of Johnstown claimed that the demolition was not done properly, because asbestos waste was not handled in the right way and bricks were dumped in a river nearby. Asbestos fibers could ultimately be released from the bricks after erosion and decay. The only way to properly remove asbestos is through an abatement.
Apparently, during demolition, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as well as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said that the contractors did not perform proper abatements of asbestos. Abatements are the only way to properly remove asbestos from buildings and they are done by controlling the release of asbestos fibers from asbestos-containing materials. In fact, because of the lack of abatements, fines were issued to the city of Johnstown as well as to the contractors and to the construction company who worked on the demolition of the Conrad building.
There was no asbestos survey done prior to demolition, despite the fact that in 2017 it was reported that many of the building materials in the Conrad building contained asbestos. During demolition, this put many residents of Johnstown at risk of breathing in asbestos. Because of a long latency period, mesothelioma does not usually develop for several decades. This means that those who have been exposed to asbestos in Johnstown could not realize the effects for years and years to come.
Some work sites in Johnstown and the surrounding areas that present a risk of exposure to asbestos include Garfield Junior High School, Johnstown Water Authority which was created in 1964, Lorain Steel Company, Seward Power Plant, Mill Creek Power House and many more. It is useful to know this information to try to protect yourself from breathing in such a hazardous material.
If you live in the Johnstown area, have been exposed to asbestos, or know someone who has been exposed, and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call the Halpern Law Firm today. We have an office in Johnstown and we are here to help. We truly care about all of our clients and all victims of mesothelioma. Call today to get a free case evaluation at 800-505-6000. Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience and we have won over $100 million for our clients. Do not hesitate to reach out. We are available 24/7.
Sources:
https://wjactv.com/news/local/dep-issues-fines-for-way-conrad-building-was-demolished-in-johnstown
https://www.mesothelioma.com/states/pennsylvania/
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