Chicago’s 2016 Olympics Bid: Asbestos Cleanup Needed

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While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as not yet made a decision on the location for the 2016 Summer Games, Chicago, Illinois is one of the four cities on IOC’s short list. (The other cities under IOC consideration are Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro). However, an environmental assessment for the property the city has proposed be purchased and developed to host the Olympics reveals the buildings have significant levels of asbestos.

The properties being considered include the Michael Reese Hospital property and other buildings that are close to or over 100 years old. In addition to asbestos, many of the buildings also have lead-based paint, and several buildings have abandoned underground storage tanks that reportedly have not yet been assessed for environmental concerns.

Some sources report the costs for building of the Olympic venues is significantly higher than initial estimates due to the anticipated costs of asbestos and other environmental remediation.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

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