Mason City accepting bids for mesothelioma-causing asbestos abatement in 32 homes

Flood damaged homes in Mason City, Iowa must be torn down. However, before the homes are demolished, asbestos abatement must occur.

Mason City is now accepting bids for the proper removal and disposal of the hazardous material.

Mason City administrator, Brent Trout, seeks a company, which: "There’s a requirement to have someone certified and knows what they’re doing with the removal of asbestos. Knows the procedures and can follow them and then they’re held accountable for the actions as far as the appropriate removal of that material.”

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral which, due to its resistance to heat, became popular among builders in the late 19th century.

Exposure to asbestos particles has been known to cause a variety of diseases–such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, typically do not arise for 30-50 years–making diagnosis of the disease, and the subsequent mesothelioma treatment, a difficult process.

32 properties in Mason City, Iowa have been affected by the flood’s high waters, and are asbestos ridden. Trout is aware that the disposal will be a technical process, however, he notes that it must occur before the city can go forward with any plans to demolish the homes.

The prevalence of mesothelioma information in the media has allowed cities such as Mason to keep their residents safe, and protect them from asbestos exposure.

The city will be accepting bids for the asbestos abatement until June 22.