Houston Mesothelioma Attorney

According to Houston Public Works, Senate Bill 509 states that municipalities have to prove that an asbestos survey has been properly conducted before it can issue demolition and/or renovation permits. This bill applies to commercial or public buildings.

• A public or commercial building is a non-residential structure or an apartment building that has more than four units.
• Demolition means removing or wrecking any load-bearing portion of a building. Any related asbestos removal is also considered to be demolition.
• Renovation means alterations or additions to an existing structure for rebuilding or repair.

Before demolition or renovation work is commenced, any public or commercial building needs an asbestos survey. If a building is proposed to undergo additional restoration after a previous restoration was completed, the previous asbestos survey must be updated.

A licensed engineer or architect is allowed to present a certification letter that states:

The material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the materials used in the original construction, the subsequent renovations or alterations of all parts of the building affected by the planned renovation or demolition have been reviewed; and in the engineer, architect, or licensed asbestos inspector’s professional opinion, all materials in the parts of the building affected by the planned renovation or demolition do not contain asbestos.

A Houston man was arrested and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine for improper asbestos removal activities. He was sued civilly and was ordered by the court to pay penalties of $1,000,000 for his illegal asbestos removal issues.

The man employed undocumented Mexican workers and told them to work only at night in order to avoid being noticed. The men were instructed to scrape fire-proofing material from steel beams at the abandoned Alief General Hospital. The fire-proofing material contained dangerous asbestos, and scraping the beams released deadly asbestos particles into the air.

Inhalation of asbestos particles can cause:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung Cancer
• Lung scarring
• Asbestosis
• Certain GI tract issues

Asbestos lung damage can take up to 50 years to present. This time lag is called the latency period. Asbestos was commonly used in construction through the 1980s, and experts consider that any building erected before 1980 contains asbestos.

Asbestos was used as an insulating and fire-proofing material. If it is found encased and sealed in an item like pipe wrap, and the fibers are not exposed, no immediate remediation may be necessary. Any scraping that causes the surface to rupture, however, will release dangerous particles into the air.

• ABF Freight Lines
• Air Control Associates
• Alaska Constructors
• Davidson Wall Covering
• East Texas Motor Freight
• Eastern States/Hill/Signal/Charter Refinery
• Greens Bayou Power Plant
• Procon Incorporated
• R & M Concrete
• Rainbow Bakery

If you are worried about asbestos in or near your home or workplace, you need to contact a qualified Houston Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.