Asbestos Compliance Inspector in Chicago, IL Charged With Attempted Bribery of Area Property Owner

The Department of Environment is responsible for inspecting Chicago, IL commercial and residential properties to make sure that asbestos regulations are followed. Those exposed to asbestos are at significant risk to develop mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

On October 28, 2009, an inspector for the Chicago Department of Environment was charged for allegedly seeking bribes from a city property owner in exchange for submitting false reports that would prevent the property owner from being fined for an asbestos violation.

In September 2009, the inspector allegedly told the property owner that asbestos materials had been found at one of his properties, and told the property owner that if he paid $600, false documents would be filed saying the asbestos was removed. The inspector also asked for an additional $550 in return for not filing a report that would result in the property owner being fined.

The property owner contacted law enforcement, and agreed to cooperate in the investigation which led to the inspector’s arrest.

Asbestos Compliance Regulations in Illinois
While the investigation in this case has focused on the alleged wrongdoing of the inspector, information has not yet been released regarding whether asbestos was actually found in the building.

In each state, the agency responsible for the enforcement of asbestos regulations conducts site inspections at commercial and residential complexes where asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are present to make sure that asbestos is not disturbed and dust is released into the air. They also conduct inspections at renovation and demolition job sites to ensure that the removal and disposal of ACM is conducted in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Information about asbestos regulations in Illinois can be found here.

Improper Asbestos Removal Places Public at Risk
When asbestos is removed improperly or by workers who have not been certified to remove ACM, these workers, as well as those living or working in the area where the improper asbestos abatement is taking place, are exposed to the dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing) mineral.

When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, their sharp edges cause them to attach to lung tissue rather than being expelled by coughing or sneezing. In a latency period process that takes 30-40 years or more before those exposed will notice signs of lung or pulmonary asbestos disease, the asbestos fibers will have caused significant scarring of lung tissues or tragically, that the asbestos fibers have triggered the lungs to produce the abnormal cells that cause lung cancer or mesothelioma tumors to develop.

Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help Families Affected by Asbestos Disease
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 asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook.

A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.