News of an asbestos investigation at the former Agway building in DeWitt, New York, has left workers, neighborhood residents, and visitors worried about their health.
Workers hired to clear the building of cancer-causing material face the biggest health risks but even those who walked, played, or just lived near the building also may see future consequences, as could workers' families and friends. Federal prosecutors say a contractor allowed asbestos to seep down drains, contaminate trash bins, and float freely outside the building where people walk and children play. Lab tests showed illegal asbestos levels on sidewalks surrounding the building. Asbestos is present in thousands of products, including roofing, insulation, and tile. It's when airborne fibers are breathed in that people get sick.
Depending on the frequency and depth of exposure, consequences can be deadly. The more asbestos a person breathes, the higher his risk for developing an asbestos-related disease, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. Wind can blow asbestos a significant distance. Fibers also can travel on workers' clothing, shoes, and equipment if precautions aren't taken. (Syracuse)
