Whether here in Ohio or elsewhere, cities are tasked with protecting their citizens from all manner of dangers. This is done through numerous avenues such as providing emergency services, maintaining public roadways and not purposely exposing residents to toxic substances, if possible. That may be why one city in a state on the East Coast could find itself in trouble after firefighters say the city intentionally burned a building that led to potential asbestos exposure for them and residents in the area.
The incident came to light when complaints were filed with numerous agencies at both the state and federal level in the area where it occurred. Apparently, the building was set ablaze for a fire fighters’ training exercise. The city alleges that only after weeks passed did it become aware that the building contained asbestos.
The Virginia Beach Firefighters Group claims that is not true. It says that the exercise was canceled at one point due to the asbestos in the building. Later, the city claimed it was safe just days later, and the exercise was rescheduled with different participants. Even if doing so was due to an oversight, innocent people were put at risk. It could be some time before anyone knows the outcome of the complaints.
It could also be some time before anyone who suffered asbestos exposure from this incident knows whether they will suffer from an asbestos-related illness. Any time that asbestos becomes airborne, anyone within the vicinity is at risk. If this happens in a community here in Ohio, it may be worthwhile to consult with an attorney to determine what actions, if any, may be taken against the parties believed responsible.
