Connecticut building requires mesothelioma-causing asbestos removal

In Torrington, Connecticut, a former warehouse that once showcased the city’s manufacturing strength has been slated for demolition. Last week, the required demolition permit was filed with officials for the former Torin Corp. property along the Naugatuck River. For three years, Mayor Ryan J. Bingham and other city officials searched for a buyer for the site, but had no luck. The warehouse was once part of a larger operation run by Torrington Manufacturing Co. from 1901 until 1990, with the company changing its name to Torin Corp. in the late 1960s.

The historic building has long been noted for the striking profile that it has alongside the banks of the river. However, because no buyer could be found for the asbestos-laden building and grounds, the city has finally approved the demolition. A light manufacturing operation ran out of the building up until just a few years ago, after the Torin Corp. moved to Japan, but the last gasp of industry at the site ended with the death of the last owner of the property several years ago. Despite its striking profile and excellent location, the asbestos issues plaguing the site always made prospective buyers back off.

Exposure to asbestos, even in minute amounts, is considered unsafe. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to cancers like mesothelioma, as well as lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques. Mesothelioma may affect the lungs, but can also affect other tissues and major organs. Despite a long latency period, mesothelioma has been known to kill some patients within just weeks of being diagnosed. Sadly, this cancer is incurable at the present time.

Once the building has been torn down, only time will tell if the site can once again be home to a lucrative business operation.