Last fall, state environmental officials charged a Des Moines developer with asbestos violations during the conversion of the historic Equitable Building into luxury condominiums. Since then, the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau has been investigating whether that renovation exposed workers to asbestos. Hundreds, or even thousands, of workers and visitors were in the building in the 14 months of construction work before state officials received an anonymous tip that prompted the investigation. Inspectors with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources found asbestos insulation throughout the building along with evidence of improper disposal. Officials also said that the developer failed to inspect for asbestos materials in the upper floors of the building before work began. Inhaling even small amounts of asbestos, which can easily be disturbed and become airborne during renovation, can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious diseases. The developer insists that workers and visitors were safe in the building. It is unclear whether the developer will be charged with violations of worker-safety laws.
For the full story, go to http://www.desmoinesregister.com.
