Cost to Renovate Camden, NJ, Bank Building Escalates After Asbestos is Discovered

Almost every office or commercial building constructed before the 1970s was likely built using asbestos-containing products. In Camden, N.J., a university’s plans to renovate a former bank building have been complicated by the discovery of asbestos materials and mercury.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause a number of serious illnesses to develop many years after exposure. If your family is facing a loved one’s diagnosis with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer or asbestosis, please complete the form on this page for important information from our lawyers about your legal options.

In March 2010, the cost to renovate the former First National Bank & Trust Building in Camden was estimated to exceed $400,000.

The February 2009 purchase of the 82-year-old building by Rowan University is part of the University’s continuing commitment to help redevelop aging buildings in Camden. The school received a $5 million grant to help to purchase the property.

Since the property was purchased under New Jersey eminent domain laws, the University was unable to obtain an inspection that would have confirmed the presence of asbestos and mercury. After the purchase of the property was completed, the University had a complete assessment performed, where asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were found, including floor tiles, plaster and insulation. Mercury was also found in the building.

Federal and State Regulations Regarding Asbestos Removal
Before any renovations can take place at the building, the University must first hire a certified asbestos abatement contactor to remove and dispose of all ACM from the building. A number of federal regulations, as well as those enforced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

When asbestos abatement work is performed in New Jersey, contractors are required to:

• Conduct air quality tests to determine the concentrations of asbestos in the area;
• Make certain that all employees have been properly trained and certified to handle ACM by the state;
• Provide decontamination areas for all those working at the abatement site; and
• Ensure that all ACM is properly bagged, labeled and taken to state-approved locations for disposal.

Serious Illnesses Caused by Exposure to Asbestos
Countless federal and international health agencies have classified asbestos as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, they attach to the lungs rather than being expelled like other airborne irritants. The sharp edges on these tiny fibers not only to attach to lung tissue, but the asbestos can cause the lungs to scar over several decades (known as asbestos latency periods).

30-40 or more years later, these men and women may then begin to experience breathing problems, where they discover the tragic outcome of their asbestos exposure when they are diagnosed with chronic breathing diseases like emphysema or asbestosis. In many cases, the asbestos-scarred lungs will begin to produce tumors that lead to asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbsetos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.