Unsafe Asbestos Removal Exposes Workers and Families
Even decades after asbestos was banned from most new construction, improper handling of this deadly material continues to put people at risk. A recent case in Spokane, Washington, where a U-Haul franchise was fined for unsafe asbestos removal, highlights the ongoing dangers of exposure—not just to workers, but to consumers and families as well.
At Madeksho Law, we’ve spent more than 50 years helping individuals and families affected by asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The risks are real, and sadly, they’re still with us.
🚨 Spokane U-Haul Franchise Fined $231,000
In early 2025, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries fined a U-Haul franchise in Spokane $231,000 for improperly handling asbestos during renovations. The franchise had purchased a former Kmart property and began remodeling without first testing for asbestos, as required by law.
Workers noticed suspicious flooring tiles and alerted state regulators. Testing confirmed that both the tiles and the glue underneath contained asbestos. While officials provided guidance on how to remove and dispose of the material safely, not all of it was followed.
Later, vehicles drove across the tiles, causing them to loosen. Workers—who were not trained or equipped with protective gear—were instructed to remove the tiles and throw them in the regular trash, a serious violation of asbestos safety regulations.
⚠️ Why Asbestos Is So Dangerous
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction and industrial products due to its resistance to heat, fire, and corrosion. But when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny, airborne fibers can be inhaled, lodging in the lungs or abdomen and causing deadly diseases over time—including:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Pleural thickening and effusions
Asbestos exposure has a long latency period—it can take 20 to 50 years for symptoms to appear after inhalation. That means exposure today could lead to illness decades from now.
Asbestos can still be found in older homes, offices, and public buildings in materials such as:
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Popcorn ceilings
- Pipe insulation
- Roofing and siding
- Plaster and textured paints
- Window caulking and glazing
- Attic insulation and furnace gaskets
👪 Consumers and Families Are Also at Risk
While the Spokane U-Haul case focuses on workplace exposure, asbestos exposure isn’t limited to workers. Consumers and family members can also face serious risk through:
▸ Living in Older Homes
Many homes built before the 1980s still contain asbestos in flooring, insulation, roofing, or ceiling textures. Homeowners can be exposed during renovations, repairs, or even regular wear and tear if materials become damaged.
▸ Contaminated Consumer Products
Asbestos has been found in certain talc-based cosmetics and powders, as well as vintage appliances and imported goods with insufficient safety oversight. In some cases, consumers may unknowingly purchase contaminated items.
▸ Secondhand (Take-Home) Exposure
Family members of asbestos workers—especially spouses and children—have developed mesothelioma from inhaling fibers brought home on dusty work clothing, car seats, or shared laundry areas. This type of secondary exposure is well-documented and just as deadly.
🛑 Don’t Try to Remove Asbestos Yourself
If you suspect a material in your home or building may contain asbestos:
- Do not disturb it.
- Do not attempt to remove it yourself.
- Hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor who can test and remove the material safely and legally.
Improper removal not only violates safety regulations—it endangers lives.
💼 Madeksho Law Is Here to Help
At Madeksho Law, we’ve been helping asbestos victims since 1972. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases—and we’re here to fight for you.
We’ve recovered over $400 million for individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure nationwide. Whether you were exposed at work, at home, or through secondhand contact, you may be entitled to compensation.
📞 Call us today at 888-910-MESO (6376)
or
Contact us here for a free consultation.
The Risk Isn’t Over—Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Improper asbestos removal is not just a regulatory violation—it’s a public health threat. And until every property owner and contractor follows the rules, workers, consumers, and families will remain at risk.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, let Madeksho Law help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
