Asbestos News
Scottish thieves expose themselves to asbestos
A group of thieves in Scotland unknowingly exposed themselves to asbestos while trying to dismantle a barn so they could sell it for scrap metal.Steven Cameron and a number of other people were caught taking steel beams out of an old barn, according to STV.
Sheriff Kenneth McGowan told Cameron - who was referred to as the "ringleader" by the news source - at Perth Sheriff Court that not only did he cause £80,000 worth of damage to the building but exposed himself and others to a deadly substance.
"Even more significant than that is that you have undoubtedly exposed yourself to asbestos. I understand that the contamination effect is a one-shot deal," he said. "All you require is one exposure in your lifetime and it can have very grave consequences for your health. That is a very great concern for you."
McGowan is sadly right. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure and the mere inhalation of the naturally occurring fiber can cause a number of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Cameron was fined £225 for his actions.
11/4/11
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