Asbestos News Roundup: 6.3.13 – Asbestos & Summer Renovations

June 7th, 2013. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. An ongoing list of reported asbestos hot spots in the US from the Asbestos News Roundup archive appears on our asbestos map.

Summer Renovation and Asbestos Exposure Risk

As summer heats up, many people may be considering a home renovation—large or small— decks, garden sheds, new siding or roofs—even new rooms.

But before you go smashing through walls and ripping out old insulation, piping and wiring or roofing tiles—do your homework. Dangers may lurk within the walls, ceilings or floors. If your home is older, chances are it contains asbestos.

For example, asbestos siding was commonly used in construction years ago, making older homes a danger zone for asbestos mesothelioma. Like flooring, siding material was covered by asbestos to make it more durable and fire retardant. When these materials are disturbed—ripped off or torn out for example, they release asbestos fibers into the air, which people in immediate proximity then breathe in.

Equally important, when considering renovations, is hiring a reputable contractor who has the appropriate qualifications and licensing to remove asbestos.

Asbestos Lawsuits

Charleston, WV: The Newsomes, a couple from Jackson, OH, have filed an asbestos lawsuit naming 42 companies they claim are responsible for Ronald Newsome’s lung injury diagnosis. On September 10, 2012 Mr. Newsome was diagnosed with asbestosis and pleural plaques, according to his lawsuit.

Ronald Newsome worked as a mixer, laborer and at other various trades from 1958 until 1992. Both he and his wife, Patsy Newsome, allege the defendants exposed him to asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products during this period.

The defendants are being sued based on theories of negligence, contaminated buildings, breach of expressed/implied warranty, strict liability, intentional tort, conspiracy, misrepresentation and post-sale duty to warn, according to the lawsuit.

Additionally, certain defendants are also being sued as premises owners and as Ronald Newsome’s employers for deliberate intent/intentional tort.

The 42 defendants include 3M Company; A.W. Chesterton Company; Brand Insulations Inc.; CBS Corporation; Certainteed Corporation; Cleaver Brooks Company Inc.; Columbus McKinnon Corporation; Copes-Vulcan Inc.; Crane Company; and Crown, Cork & Seal USA Inc. (wvrecord.com)

Charleston, WV: 67 companies have been named as defendants in an asbestos lawsuit brought by a couple who allege the companies are responsible for a lung injury caused by asbestos exposure. John B. Kenyon was diagnosed with bilateral pleural plaques, on May 11, 2011, according to the lawsuit.

Mr. Kenyon and his wife, Peggy E. Kenyon, allege he was exposed to asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products during his employment as an estimator, warehouse employee/delivery person and sales person form 1964 until 2002.

The Kenyons are suing the defendants for negligence, contaminated buildings, breach of expressed/implied warranty, strict liability, intentional tort, conspiracy, misrepresentation and post-sale duty to warn.

Certain defendants are also being sued as premises owners and as Kenyon’s employers for deliberate intent/intentional tort, according to the suit.

The Kenyons are seeking a jury trial to resolve all issues involved. The 67 defendants include 3M Company; 4520 Corporation Inc.; A.W. Chesterton Company; Aurora Pump Company; Bechtel Corporation; Borg-Warner Corporation; Brand Insulations Inc.; Buffalo Pumps Inc.; BW/IP Inc.; and CBS Corporation. (wvrecord.com)

Tags: Asbestos, asbestos lawsuit, Asbestos Mesothelioma

This was posted on Friday, June 7th, 2013 at 11:23 am and is filed under Asbestos Mesothelioma, Emerging Issues . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.