Asbestos Contamination Issues Complicate Daytona Beach, FL Pier Renovation Timeline

Renovations at Daytona Beach boardwalk and pier behind schedule after asbestos is found in boardwalk debris materials. Exposure to the dangerous mineral is known to cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

For more information about your rights to seek compensation for asbestos-related disease, please complete the form on this page to discuss your case with a Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos lawyer.

On February 1, 2010, the Daytona Beach News-Journal discussed issues regarding the delay in repairing, restoring and re-opening the area’s famous pier and boardwalk. When the city took over the 84-year old pier in fall 2009, they found structural damage, vermin infestation problems and asbestos contamination. The asbestos-containing paint was found in both the interior and exterior of the pier’s restaurant and casino building.

A representative for the city commissioners advised that the expected costs to renovate the pier, boardwalk and deteriorating pilings will be at least $1.6 million.

The city expects that an asbestos abatement and removal contactor will be hired in March 2010, and the project is anticipated to take 45-60 days.

The pier remains closed to the public, including tourists visiting the area for marquee events like the Daytona 500, Bike Week and the annual influx of vacationing college students who visit the area during spring break.

Asbestos-Containing Paint and other Materials
At the time the pier and boardwalk was constructed, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were routinely used in the construction of both commercial and residential buildings. Until the 1970s, asbestos was still used in paint coatings, sealants and textured paint. Asbestos-containing materials were also used in vinyl wallpaper and other wall-covering mastics and glues. In addition, many older commercial buildings (particularly school and office buildings) were constructed with asbestos-containing wall plasters.

Asbestos Exposure Risks
When asbestos-containing paints or other wall coverings are disturbed, dangerous asbestos dusts are released into the air. Inhaled asbestos fibers remain in the lungs, where they can eventually cause serious illnesses to develop many decades after first exposure to the dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

This long latency period (the time between asbestos exposure and when symptoms of an asbestos disease first develop) can be 30-40 or more years long.

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.