State investigating improper removal of asbestos-covered boiler in Auburn, New York

Nov 5, 2009

Firefighters were called to a building in Auburn, New York on September 28 after carbon monoxide detectors indicated high levels of carbon monoxide. Workers in the apartment and commercial building had been dismantling an old asbestos-covered boiler using a gasoline-powered demolition saw. The fumes from the gasoline created carbon monoxide levels that were more than three times the safe level for work areas.

Now the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Labor’s bureau of asbestos control are investigating after firefighters reported that there were large amounts of asbestos in the basement and on nearby scrap metal when they responded to the call. Improper removal of asbestos-laden equipment can release toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhaling asbestos fibers leads to an increased risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, a rare but serious form of cancer.

For the full story, go to The Post-Standard.

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