Threat of mesothelioma-causing asbestos exposure closes Texas supermarket

A Kroger supermarket was forced to close its doors last week after asbestos was uncovered. The supermarket, located in Denton, Texas, was closed last Friday afternoon, and opened 21 hours later. According to Gary Huddleston, manager of consumer affairs for Kroger’s Southwest division explained that the asbestos was uncovered during a renovation project at the store. Workers accidentally exposed an area of asbestos-containing material hidden underneath the floor tile at the store.

According to the website of the Texas Department of State Health Services, “The health effects associated with occupational and non-occupational asbestos exposure can create severe human diseases.”

Asbestos exposure is conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, as well as lung scarring, lung cancer, or chronic lung inflammation. Arguably the most aggressive asbestos-related ailment, mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year. The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, and the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis. Asbestos-laden materials include certain types of flooring, ceiling materials, adhesives, cements, insulation, and other common building materials.