Minnesota family’s apartment site of emergency asbestos cleanup

Jul 31, 2009

On May 16, a bungled furnace replacement project at a duplex in Minneapolis, Minnesota released asbestos dust into the air from old pipe insulation. The airborne asbestos contaminated the basement and possibly the ground floor apartment belonging to an engaged couple and their two-year-old son. The location became the site of a Minnesota Department of Health investigation and emergency asbestos cleanup.

Sherene O’Hern, one of the tenants, quickly left the apartment with her fiancé and son when she was informed of the asbestos contamination by a family friend who recognized the problem. When she returned several days later wearing protective clothing and respiratory gear, she filled 59 large plastic bags with her family’s clothing, bedding and soft toys. Because she feared that asbestos fibers might cling to these items, she disposed of them in the hazardous waste landfill.

The family is unsure if they will be compensated for the loss of their possessions, as they had no renter’s insurance. Additionally, the landlord’s insurance company has denied liability and the company that was hired to replace the furnace, Ryan Plumbing, has accused O’Hern of overreacting. The family has since bought a house and moved out of the apartment.

Although the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that the subcontractor who performed the work had no permit to remove asbestos, a spokesman said that he could not discuss the health risks or potential penalties involved because it is an open investigation.

A certified asbestos contractor cleaned up the basement and disposed of 13 bags containing the family’s possessions that had been stored in the basement. The O’Hern’s apartment was tested for asbestos, and the toxic substance was detected. The landlords and Ryan Plumbing paid for the unit to be vacuumed and wet-wiped. O’Hern paid for a second cleaning by Bergo Environmental Services. The whole asbestos ordeal has cost the family several thousand dollars, and they hope that it won’t also cost them their health.

For the full story, go to Star Tribune.

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