At Chaffee Crossing in Arkansas, a fire destroyed over 150 asbestos containing buildings spread over 100 acres on Jan 29, 2008. The cost of asbestos abatement for the land was originally estimated at $4.6 million. However, a new method is going to be tested and possibly used for the entirety of the 100 acres. If this works out, the cost of abatement is estimated to drop to $435,000.
The new method of abatement uses a foam along with a surfactant. The surfactant bonds to the asbestos while the foam keeps everything from becoming airborne. This means that the site does not have to be sealed off and workers do not have to wear respirators to protect themselves from the airborne fibers. The method is being used for the first time at this site, but could be used more widely if it works.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, contact the Arkansas mesothelioma attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 800-781-3955.