Jail Time for BC Asbestos Removal Contractor Who Hired Recovering Addicts
Everyone knows asbestos kills. It causes a type of fatal cancer called mesothelioma years after initial exposure. There is no cure and current treatments for mesothelioma are largely ineffective.
Arthur Moore, an asbestos removal contractor in British Columbia, certainly knew exposure to asbestos was unsafe. In spite of this, he hired at least 20 people from a recovery house in Surrey, some as young as 14 years old, to demolish asbestos-contaminated buildings.
Moore, owner of AM Environmental, knew that the recovery addicts attending the Lion Wellness Recovery House, were required to work to remain in the program. Moore took advantage of their need for employment, hiring them and yet failing to give any warning or to provide any training or protective gear so they would not be exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos containing materials do not pose a threat when intact and in good condition, but during the demolition process, those products are disturbed or damaged, and microscopic asbestos fibers can easily become airborne. If inhaled or ingested, many years later, they will develop into mesothelioma, asbestosis or other asbestos related diseases.
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced today and faces up to a year in jail for his gross negligence and refusal to comply with WorkSafeBC orders to cease operations of his asbestos and drywall removal business.
