Claremont, NH mills being redeveloped

Dec 10, 2008

Claremont, NH is redeveloping mills that have sat vacant for decades. The renovated area will have dining, retail and commercial spaces, lodging and condominiums, as well as parking. Private investors have spent in excess of $25 million on the project. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure as well, counting in part on the mill redevelopment project to spark further growth for the city.

Before renovating the mill buildings for these new uses, they had to be cleared of asbestos and other toxic substances. Old industrial spaces like these contain a variety of hazardous materials. Fifty years ago, when these mills were last in operation, asbestos materials were used pervasively. And removing that asbestos requires the work of licensed asbestos abatement teams using proper safety procedures and protective gear.

Exposure to asbestos creates a risk of serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The employees who worked at the mills 50 years ago were at risk for these diseases, and in the intervening decades, some may very well have developed asbestos-related diseases. Without the proper safety gear, workers renovating older buildings would also be at risk.

For the full story, go to UnionLeader.com.

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