Lack of asbestos permits puts Michigan community at risk for exposure Prior to regulations established in the 1970s and 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as roofing, tiles, insulation and more. Because of this, many homes built before the new laws contain the deadly fiber, undisturbed above their heads and below their feet. When demolition […]
Workers still exposed to asbestos at high levels
Workers still exposed to asbestos at high levels Many years have passed since asbestos use became limited in the United States, yet the effects are still felt by workers and families alike. Those employed by steel mills, paper mills, shipyards and more put their lives in danger every day simply by going to work. Unlike other substances, […]
Asbestos-related deaths in Allegheny County surpass national average
Asbestos-related deaths in Allegheny County surpass national average Recent media coverage of the Environmental Working Group Action Fund’s interactive map highlighting the number of asbestos deaths in the United States brings to light many issues we’re reminded of every day. As asbestos attorneys, we see just how devastating the effects can be through our clients and their […]
May Day marks bloody history for workers rights in United States
May Day marks bloody history for workers rights in United States The first day of May is globally known as May Day or International Worker’s Day. While cities around the world, such as Jakarta, Istanbul, Bangkok, Berlin and Moscow, hold protests and demonstrations to celebrate, the holiday sees little recognition in the United States. Some […]
Dangerous loophole found in fracking practice
Dangerous loophole found in fracking practice Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the strictest safety codes. Unfortunately, sometimes these regulations have loopholes. Fracking involves injecting a chemical cocktail into the ground at high-pressure rates to release hydrocarbons from the shale below. The mixture varies in its composition, with a […]
Asbestos: Past risk or future threat?
Asbestos: Past risk or future threat? Most people never think or worry about asbestos. Once deemed a miracle fiber, the substance’s use was largely eradicated after OSHA came into existence. What many don’t realize is the lasting effects of the carcinogen. At one time before the dangers were realized, asbestos appeared in a variety of manufactured […]
New side effect discovered in controversial fracking practice
New side effect discovered in controversial fracking practice Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, isn’t without notoriety. The practice is riddled with objections and complaints from those affected. Communities near wells experience chemical exposures and contaminated water supplies, among other risks. Amidst all the negative publicity, a new threat emerged following a study by the National Institute […]
Recent rulings discipline careless asbestos handling
Recent rulings discipline careless asbestos handling Three recent verdicts represent the lack of care still associated with asbestos removal. In each case, the defendants either performed botched removal jobs or exposed workers to the deadly fibers without proper protection. During the demolition of a vacant public housing facility in Buffalo, New York, two city inspectors […]
Apple finally ends benzene use in factories
Apple finally ends benzene use in factories After months of petitions and investigations, Apple decided to pull the use of benzene from its production. Attention to the issue first came this March when groups began protesting after reports of Chinese workers falling ill. Many companies, including Samsung and Apple, use benzene in production of their products and in […]
Texas communities fight back against benzene emissions
Texas communities fight back against benzene emissions Oil refineries bring economic growth to the areas they inhabit, but residents question whether the boom is worth the price. For those living along the 54-mile stretch of coast between Galveston and Houston, the health risks currently outshine the benefits. This area is lined with city-like refineries and […]