Florida DEP Investigates Asbestos Contamination at Fort Myers Construction Dump Sites

DEP releases information regarding several construction dump sites in the Fort Myers, Florida area that contained asbestos. The Florida DEP is investigating the companies that allegedly dumped the contaminated filler and debris.

Even secondhand or casual exposure to asbestos is known to cause several serious diseases including mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

In December 2009, the Lee County, FL News-Press reported on an investigation being conducted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) into alleged illegall dumping of asbestos-containing materials (ACM), filler and other contaminated debris at two construction dump sites.

Since July 2009, the DEP has already removed 2,800 tons of ACM at a Bonita Springs site near the Imperial Parkway. The Parkway, which had been completed in 2007, was constructed by Michigan-based Posen Construction.

The second dump site, located near Veronica S. Shoemaker Boulevard in Fort Myers, has been used by both Posen and other companies to dispose of construction debris. The DEP has not yet determined how much asbestos is present at the site.

The county has given Posen 10 days to develop an asbestos abatement and remediation plan to remove the ACM. The company has already hired an asbestos removal consultant for the project.

Dangers Associated with Exposure to Asbestos
Even those who did not work directly with the ACM have been placed at risk for asbestos disease. Studies have shown that even individuals with extremely limited or even one-time exposure to the dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing) mineral can develop an asbestos disease.

Part of the reason why inhaling asbestos dust is so dangerous is the way the microscopic asbestos fibers attach in the lungs.

Unlike some other airborne pollutants or irritants that are expelled from the lungs by coughing, sneezing or blowing one’s nose, the sharp, jagged edges on microscopic asbestos fibers cause them to attach to lung tissue.

The asbestos fibers remain dormant in the lungs for several decades (known as the "asbestos latency periods"), where they can ultimately cause lung tissue to scar. If the scarring is extensive, it can cause several chronic breathing and lung capacity diseases, including asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pleural plaques disease.

In more serious cases, the imbedded asbestos fibers can trigger the body to produce abnormal lung cells. These abnormal cells can then develop into the tumors that cause lung cancer or mesothelioma.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, our lawyers 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.