An Auburn, Illinois man, along with the ministry he and his wife head, have been fined and sentenced to probation for placing Virden, Illinois residents at risk of asbestos exposure.
Ray F. Landers, vice president of Next Generation Ministries Inc., has been sentenced in Macoupin County to 18 months probation and 90 days in jail. Landers must also perform 100 hours of community service, and pay $5,000 in fines.
Daniel Merriman, of the IEPA, was pleased by the sentence issued: “It was a just sentence that takes into account the seriousness of the offense, the hazard that was created and the potential risk to the neighbors and the community.” Merriman also added, “People tend not to take the asbestos issue seriously.”
The Illinois EPA investigated the case after obtaining knowledge that Landers was renovating the former Virden Nursing Home, without properly inspecting and removing the materials containing asbestos. Landers also failed to notify the IEPA of the toxic material, reports SJ-R.com.
Landers’ careless actions have put Virden residents at risk for contracting several asbestos related diseases. For when airborne asbestos particles are inhaled over an extended period of time, those exposed may, unknowingly, contract lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most aggressive form, and attacks many of the body’s internal linings.
Symptoms of the disease lie dormant for several decades, making it difficult to diagnose. Because of this, patients are often in the advanced stages of their disease by the time they receive a formal diagnosis. Mesothelioma treatment methods are, unfortunately, palliative and not curative. Treatments for this disease include mesothelioma chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery.
Next Generation Ministries pleaded guilty to improper asbestos removal, and Landers pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, failure to prove notification of demolition or renovation. The former Virden Nursing home may become a city park.