EPA Launches Investigation into Illegal Asbestos Removal at Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Properties

Carpenters, plumbers and residents alike were allegedly exposed to asbestos during the course of maintenance and other repairs at Philadelphia area PHA properties. Exposure to the dangerous mineral is known to cause serious diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis.

For more information about your rights to seek compensation for an asbestos-related disease, complete the form on this page.

In February 2010, the Philadelphia Daily News reported on the investigation of possible asbestos exposure and contamination that took place at residential properties owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA).

The alleged contamination problems were first reported in September 2009, when PHA maintenance workers were performing repair work in a resident’s kitchen. The workers removed pipes and other materials, which were left on the resident’s property. The resident reported that after waiting for a considerable length of time for someone to remove the discarded pipes and waste, she bagged up the debris and put them out with trash.

That debris was later found to have contained asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing material).

EPA Investigation
The Daily News investigation discovered that asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and asbestos debris had been routinely improperly removed during the course or renovations at PHA properties.

As a result of news stories, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a criminal investigation into alleged improper asbestos abatement and removal problems.

Federal Asbestos Regulations
Both the EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulate the removal and disposal of asbestos debris and waste. These regulations require that asbestos removal and abatement can only be conducted by certified and licensed asbestos removal contractors, that air quality testing must be performed before, during and after asbestos abatement, that asbestos waste must be taken to EPA and DEP approved locations.

Health Risks
The PHA employees and residents who may have been exposed to asbestos face a lifelong risk to develop an asbestos disease. The time between exposure to asbestos and when an asbestos-related disease is first diagnosed is 30-40 or more years long (known as latency periods).

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.