Asbestos Found in Dumpster at Cascade Heights Shopping Center in Atlanta, GA

Asbestos-contaminated construction debris at Atlanta, GA shopping center dumpster leaves shoppers, tenants and employees at risk. Exposure to the dangerous carcinogen (cancer causing substance) is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. Get more information and a free case review from our lawyers by completing the form on this page. 

On August 20, 2009, CBS affiliate WSBTV in Atlanta, GA reported that construction debris found in a dumpster behind the Cascade Heights Shopping Center in the southwestern Atlanta contained asbestos.

An anonymous tip led to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigation of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACM) left in the dumpster. The EPA concluded that floor tiles in the dumpster were contaminated with asbestos.

The ACM found in the dumpster is believed to have come from a construction site at the shopping center. As part of the EPA investigation, the landlord was advised that a licensed asbestos contractor would need to be hired to perform asbestos abatement.

Both commercial and residential property owners are required to hire a licensed asbestos contractor to remove and dispose of ACM in accordance with federal and state regulations. In addition, property owners are also required to have testing conducted prior to beginning demolition or renovation projects to be certain that no asbestos-containing materials are present in the building.

The EPA is currently conducting an investigation regarding the illegal asbestos disposal, and expects the case to take several months before any individual or company is charged in the case.

The workers who performed the illegal asbestos removal are at risk to develop an asbestos-related illness. In addition, other shopping center employees who came into contact with the asbestos-contaminated debris are also at risk for possible illness.

A number of mesothelioma patients develop the disease after limited exposure to asbestos in their youth. Because of the long latency period (the time between exposure and when symptoms of illness first appear) is decades long, it is possible that a student working at the shopping center who disposed of trash in the dumpster could develop an asbestos disease 30 or more years later.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.