Vacant lot cleared of asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma cancer

Asbestos has been removed from a vacant lot in Mitchell, South Dakota. A work crew removed the material from the former Statuary lot Wednesday, reports The Daily Republic.

A work crew from Midstates Asbestos Removal, of Davis, completed the work in one day. Owner of Midstates Asbestos Removal, Brian Salmon, noted that workers removed transite, a hardboard and tank insulation, from the lot. Both are made of hazardous asbestos material.

The asbestos abatement project was funded by a grant from the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Public Works Director Tim McGannon was unsure of the grant amount.

Now that the lot is clear of asbestos, the Mitchell City Council will move forward with a plan to clear the lot, and convert it into a parking lot. The asbestos was first removed, in order to ensure the material wasn’t disturbed during construction efforts.

Asbestos is a toxic material, once exploited for its fire retardant properties. When the material is disturbed, the particles can become airborne, and pose a serious health risk to those exposed. Several diseases, including malignant mesothelioma, have been known to form from the disease.

Mesothelioma clinics suggest patients undergo standard medical treatment, once diagnosed with the disease. Such treatment is palliative, rather than curative. There is no mesothelioma cure, but the best mesothelioma doctors, like David Sugarbaker of Brigham and Women’s in Boston, continue to search for a cure.

The cleanup is part of an ongoing effort to transform downtown Mitchell into a more attractive area. Once the lot is converted into a parking lot, it may be sold.