Village of Potsdam, NY Discusses Plans for Asbestos Remediation at Civic Center Courtroom. Workers Concerned After Staff Member Succumbs to Mesothelioma

On July 31, 2009, the Watertown Daily Times reported that officials in the Village of Potsdam, NY were considering options regarding asbestos abatement in the Village’s Civic Center courtroom. The estimated cost to remove the asbestos-containing mastic in the courtroom’s roof is $20,000.

The courtroom was closed after a temporary patch repair to the building’s roof caused a ceiling leak. When an NYS inspector visited the building on June 5, 2009, it was determined that while there was no asbestos in the roof, that the mastic was contaminated with asbestos. The inspector determined that the air quality was safe; however, the courtroom remains closed.

Those working in the Civic Center continue to be concerned about the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the building. The civic center's air has been tested three times since spring 2009. In May 2009, a 57-year old woman who worked as a senior clerk died from mesothelioma cancer, and a month later, a 59-year old woman working in the tax collector’s office died from ovarian cancer.

Those who work in occupations where they are exposed to dangerous asbestos dust are at significant risk of developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

Because the long latency period (the time between exposure and when symptoms first develop) is 30 or more years, those working in older buildings where asbestos was used to insulate walls, ceilings, heating pipes and other areas may not be diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness until they are close to retirement age.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.