DEP Investigating Possible Illegal Asbestos Storage in West Haven, CT

State agency is currently looking into possible illegal storage of asbestos waste materials in New Haven, CT region. Exposure to the cancer-causing mineral is known to cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

For more information about your legal rights, complete the form on this page to have your case reviewed by our asbestos lawyers.

According to the New Haven Register, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an inspection of a warehouse in West Haven, CT in January 2010 after receiving complaints that asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and other wastes were being stored at the storage site.

The DEP inspection revealed that the asbestos materials stored at the site had been properly sealed and labeled.  However, the investigation is continuing because the company does not hold a state-required permit that allows the company to store asbestos or other solid waste.

The company owner had been storing the ACM waste for transport to a disposal site outside of the state approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The property owner also stated that he did not believe he was required to obtain a permit to store the ACM since his company had generated the ACM waste materials.

DEP’s Next Steps
The DEP has assured the public that since the ACM had been properly sealed, there is no current health risk for exposure to dangerous asbestos dusts. The company is working with the DEP and EPA to ensure that all ACM waste is properly removed from the warehouse and transported to an EPA-approved waste facility.

Asbestos Health Risks
The DEP’s detailed investigation into this case stems from their commitment to protecting the public from potential environmental health risks.

Asbestos materials were commonly used in construction and renovation projects until the 1970s. Because of the serious health risks associated with exposure to the carcinogen (cancer-causing material), both the EPA and the DEP have specific regulations in place to make sure that ACM is properly removed.

When these regulations are not followed, those who live and/or work in areas where illegal asbestos removal and abatement is taking place are at risk to inhale asbestos dust. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they remain in the lungs. Those exposed remain at risk for serious asbestos diseases for a lifetime, as the latency period (the time between exposure to asbestos and when symptoms of disease are first discovered) can be 30-40 years or longer.

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 asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.