Mesothelioma Asbestos Alert: Two New York contractors charged with mesothelioma-causing asbestos violations

Two contractors based near Buffalo, New York have been charged with asbestos-related crimes by the State Attorney General’s office. According to officials, Robert Bishop of East Amherst and Salvatore Capizzi of Grand Island have been arrested and charged with felonies related to improper disposal of asbestos, a known carcinogen. Bishop is the owner of Peerless Environmental Control, a local asbestos abatement contractor, and Capizzi is a self-employed demolition contractor.

The two men allegedly disposed of over five tons of asbestos-contaminated debris in an abandoned warehouse on Leslie Street in Buffalo. While the site has now been cleaned up, the total cost associated with making the warehouse safe to occupy once more was over $137,000. If found guilty both Bishop and Capizzi will face up to seven years in jail.

When improperly handled or disposed of, asbestos can release tiny fibers that can kill if inhaled. Asbestos exposure is conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, as well as asbestosis, a chronic inflammatory disease that can damage the lungs and cause death in some cases. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and while there are palliative treatment methods available, including chemo, there is no known cure.

"People who try to cut corners by illegally dumping harmful materials like asbestos endanger the public and hurt the environment," said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

"My office has no tolerance for polluters who fail to comply with the state’s stringent hazardous waste disposal laws."