In 2009, MSNBC reported that an employee of the Smithsonian Institution complained that the National Air and Space Museum did not properly handle the asbestos that was present in the building. As a result he developed asbestosis, a chronic respiratory disorder caused by exposure to asbestos.
The employer, Richard Pullman, stated that he was penalized for whistleblowing and that he was “reassigned to a lower level manager, denied a promised promotion and raise and given his first ever formal reprimand for not following procedures in reporting asbestos problems.” (MSNBC) Of this, Pullman issued the following statement:
“I felt completely betrayed. I felt that the Smithsonian organization had considered us disposable commodities.”
MSNBC reported that “workers were not informed of the material’s presence,” nor were they “trained in how to handle it” until quite recently- March 2008. However, the Smithsonian admitted that it was aware of the presence of asbestos in the building, which was constructed just over thirty years ago.
To date, the Smithsonian has no “current plans to remove the asbestos from its premises, even though it is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis- all incurable and in many cases deadly, ailments.
Pullman’s story is an all too familiar one- that of an employee who became sick due to the negligence of the company he worked for. If you require legal assistance, please contact Weitz & Luxenberg, a firm that has been in business for over twenty years.
Studies may reveal reason for asbestos causing mesothelioma Construction on NJ Housing Development halted after asbestos discovery Weitz & Luxenberg brings you the latest news about asbestos.
