Asbestos contaminated dirt piles have been removed from the Denver Federal Center property in Denver, Colorado. The asbestos was discovered in several large mounds of earth, as a result of past excavation and demolition work, reports Environmental Expert.
In order to make the property safer, the mounds were removed. With the material removed, the property may be developed. The Colorado Department of Health managed the removal.
Asbestos is a highly toxic material, found in many older homes and buildings. When disturbed, the toxic particles can be aerosolized, and pose a serious health risk to workers and residents. Extended exposure to the material has been known to cause several diseases, including mesothelioma.
For those diagnosed with the aggressive asbestos cancer, treatment tends to arrive late. For, due to an extended latency period, mesothelioma doctors struggle to diagnose patients in the early stages of their disease.
The dirt piles were tested before being disturbed. This testing allowed for the proper excavation and disposal procedures to be put in place. By following regulations, workers were kept safe.
“Testing for asbestos before beginning any remodeling or construction activity if there is suspect material is essential…A simple test is all that is needed so that both area residents and workers are not exposed to asbestos fibers,” noted Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical.