Illinois Fire Raises Asbestos Concerns from Area Residents

Nov. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- Last month a raging fire in Algonquin, Illinois may have released dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.  A 94 year old vacant factory that had been scheduled to be torn down in the near future to make way for a new bypass around downtown Algonquin burst into flames.

Many area residents believe the three story brick building contained asbestos and are now concerned that the fire and destruction caused by the fire may have released asbestos fibers into the surrounding neighborhood.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was added to building products in the past to increase strength, corrosion resistance, acoustical dampening, thermal insulation and fire resistance. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed, asbestos fibers may be released into the air.  In the case of the Algonquin fire, emergency personnel and nearby residents could have been exposed to the fibers.  

Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and diseases such as asbestosis. In a report from the Environmental Working Group it was found that, “Illinois has the seventh highest number of asbestos-related deaths among the 50 states, with as many as 2,607 people dying of such illnesses from 1979 to 2001, and 2,528 have gone to court seeking compensation…”

In the greater Chicago area environmental experts, such as the professionals from EC2, Inc., are often called to provide asbestos sampling services for these old building across the city. “The asbestos used in these old buildings are a lingering threat to people’s health,” reported Ed Chambers, the President of EC2, Inc.  “These old structures need to be tested before they are demolished or renovated.”

A public service video on asbestos supported by EC2 can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCpQYuK8ge8



To learn more about asbestos, environmental or indoor air quality (IAQ) issues please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

# # #

About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.