(openPR) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has informed the officials of Marco Island, a city in southwest Florida that it violated six asbestos-related regulations in the course of reconstructing a roadway in 2006. Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that can lead to the development of cancers such as lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can remain suspended in air for long periods and are not visible to the human eye. Thus, it is possible for people to unknowingly inhale asbestos fibers. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is how asbestos exposure often takes place.

According to an EPA letter dated March 25, the agency alleged several violations on the part of the city including: the failure to inspect the work site for asbestos, failure to conduct asbestos removal prior to doing work that would disturb asbestos and lead to the production of asbestos fibers and failure to dispose of asbestos-containing waste in a timely manner. These violations are punishable by fines of up to $37,500 per day of violation.

The asbestos was present in cement pipe that was removed during the reconstruction of Marco Island's Collier Boulevard, a major roadway. The EPA has charged both the main contractor for the project and the City of Marco Island with violating asbestos regulations. At a Marco Island City Council meeting that was held in April, many city residents asked council officials when they first learned of the EPA investigation.

There are different types of malignant mesothelioma. All are typically caused by asbestos exposure. They include peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen while pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. There is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) have shown some success in helping some people with mesothelioma.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a New York law firm that represents New Yorkers and others who have been diagnosed with asbestos cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. For additional information on asbestos cancer, please visit:
www.weitzlux.com/asbestos-cancer_107.html
For more information on the work of a mesothelioma attorney, visit
www.weitzlux.com/mesothelioma-attorney_1932416.html

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New York, NY 10003

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