Asbestos Landfills: Some Illegal, All Are Harmful And Still An Issue.

Asbestos remains one of the largest challenges in the United States

, both economically and environmentally. Permeating our environment due to it being used widely by industries here in the U.S., asbestos continues to cost millions of dollars a year to remediate, abate and the medical and legal expenses that have resulted from asbestos-induced illnesses. But with all the expenses that asbestos use entails, why is the government not being stricter the how and where of its disposal?

An estimated 27 million people were exposed to asbestos in the workplace according to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This statistic does not even include asbestos exposures that occur from debris and improper disposal at landfill sites. As our society continues to diligently work towards a cleaner tomorrow through recycling efforts, we lack the proper upkeep or close monitoring that is required to truly ensure proper and safe disposal of hazardous materials such as asbestos. There have been issues arising over the years with the illegal landfill sites that have been allowing asbestos dumping for the sake of turning a profit. But this eagerness to make a profit off illegal landfills extends beyond the U.S. borders""it is an issue worldwide.

Here in the U.S., one hundred yellow bags were marked "Caution" that were dropped off and sat a few hundred meters away from the actual dumping site that may potentially contain asbestos. Within the marked bags were old ceiling tiles from a local high school that potentially contained asbestos. The area"s landfill is still very basic, not equipped to handle hazardous materials as there is no separation between recyclables and toxins. The local waste site is not licensed to accept asbestos and has led to the temporary storage of the yellow asbestos-containing bags that were cordoned off area of the main landfill. This lack of proper temporary storage raises many concerns, primarily how to better transition hazardous materials from a temporary site, to the licensed asbestos landfill sites.

Proper disposal of asbestos not only requires a facility licensed to store asbestos, but also equipment that can dampen the fibers and plastic to wrap them either in bins or vehicles when storing. Failure to provide or follow any of these set regulations constitutes a violation that can lead to hefty fines. The U.S. EPA fines up to $5,000 per illegal dumping or landfill violation. With the inclusion of the fines plus the costs to clean, it can easily go up to $1 million if it goes to court.

Asbestos exposure from illegal landfills can still lead to the development of mesothelioma. Regardless of the extent of exposure, any exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma development. Having an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help families learn their rights, protect their rights and recover the financial compensation that is rightfully theirs due to company and manufacturer negligence. The statute of limitations vary depending on your state and it is important that you consult with a mesothelioma lawyer to determine your case"s statute before it runs and you are no longer able to file.

by: Jana Wilson

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