The Kansas Dept. of Corrections (DOC) exposed employees and inmates to asbestos during a 2005-2006 renovation project, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The federal agency issued a compliance order against the Kansas DOC, saying they failed to conduct an asbestos inspection prior to beginning renovation work on a dormitory at the Topeka Correction Facility.

More alarming, is the asbestos exposure aspect of the story.  Employees and inmates were made to “serve on work crews removing asbestos flooring  with grinders, brooms and shovels without the benefit of adequate training or protective equipment,” according to the Topeka Capital-Journal.

The mechanical grinders released clouds of asbestos-containing dust.  Workers were not provided with respirators and water sprayers were not used to hold down the dust.  Furthermore, corrections officials did not warn work crews of the risks involved.

They undoubtedly breathed in the dust, increasing their risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma – a cancer associated with asbestos exposure.

EPA Spokesman Chris Whitley said this work was a public health hazard.  “It is scientifically proven that asbestos carries great health risks,” he said. “These regulations are put in place for a reason. They’re put in place to protect the people who are involved in the renovation work as well as anyone who may be exposed to it. At a bare minimum, an inspection has to occur.”

The order states that the Kansas DOC work was done in violation of state and federal laws, but the EPA will not fine the state agency.

Click here for the EPA Statement.

Click here for the Topeka Capital-Journal article.

Click here for the Kansas City Star article.