Democratic senators and public health advocates are raising concerns over the rapid demolition of the White House East Wing. Now, they’re demanding proof that the project did not expose workers or the public to cancer-causing asbestos.
Lawmakers have asked the White House and its contractors for documentation on inspections, abatement and air monitoring.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
The demolition went quickly. As the work proceeded last week, The Washington Post noted that photos showed workers using hoses to suppress dust while crowds gathered nearby.
In response to safety questions, the White House said that hazardous-material abatement was performed in September. However, officials have not provided documentation of the work.
Unbiased. Straight Facts.TM
The World Health Organization estimates more than 90,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases worldwide.
What do senators and advocates want?
In a letter to ACECO, the demolition contractor, Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., asked for records documenting inspections and permits, as well as air sampling and disposal practices. He requested answers by Nov. 12.
“Construction workers on the East Wing site, nearby office workers and tourists, and passersby could now be at heightened risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma from the inhalation of demolition dust,” Markey’s wrote.
ABC News reported that a Senate hearing is planned to examine the project and its oversight.
How have the White House and contractor responded?
A White House official said that “a very extensive abatement and remediation assessment was followed, complying with all applicable federal standards.”
The Post reported that the contractor, ACECO, has not responded to questions, and its website was largely taken down. A District of Columbia licensing official told the paper that ACECO’s asbestos abatement license was “voluntarily canceled” in 2022.
The White House, meanwhile, has declined to identify all companies involved in the project and has not publicly released its inspection or abatement documentation.
ABC News reported that some demolition workers were required to sign nondisclosure agreements.
What are the health and regulatory questions?
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization said federal law requires comprehensive inspection, notification and abatement before demolition. It added that “no publicly available information demonstrates that these statutory obligations have been fulfilled” regarding the East Wing demolition, ABC News reported.
The Post detailed D.C.’s asbestos permit and notification rules, with limited emergency exceptions, and noted it was unclear whether the White House is exempt from city requirements. The Post also reported concerns about demolition debris that was moved to a park near the White House.
