KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque, New Mexico) is reporting the findings of a Larry Barker investigation concerning the City of Albuquerque’s new Gateway Center (formerly the Gibson Medical Center).
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller pledged to transform the former medical center, which was bought by the City of Albuquerque two years ago, into a showpiece center for the city’s homeless. The Gateway Center is expected to open later this year.
The investigation conducted by KRQE News 13’s Larry Barker, citing the City of Albuquerque’s own records, indicates violations of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations, potentially exposing persons to airborne asbestos – a known carcinogen.
Additionally, the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (“OHSB”) Chief, Bob Genoway, called the allegations of asbestos mismanagement “serious” and said that they “warranted an OSHA investigation.”
The KRQE News 13 report may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, asbestos is a naturally-occurring, microscopic, fibrous “miracle” mineral highly suited for use in construction for insulation, fireproofing and to add strength to materials. Unfortunately, following decades of its use during the 20th century (with some uses continuing today), it was determined to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleura).
As a former employee of the New Mexico Environment Department frequently involved with asbestos management, disposal and regulatory enforcement, I can assure you that once regulated asbestos waste has been generated, it represents a potential hazard to human health. This is primarily due to the potential for inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers which can lodge in the lungs (sort of like little fishhooks) and can cause cell abnormalities or run away growth (cancer).
Regulated asbestos waste (generally meaning material containing >1% asbestos content) is considered a “special waste” that has unique handling, transportation and disposal requirements under the New Mexico Solid Waste Act and Rules, as well as federal law. This is to assure sufficient protection of human health and the environment.
One of the reasons it can be difficult to convince persons of the risks posed by the presence of asbestos is that there is a “latency period” associated with asbestos exposure – meaning that although exposure may result in cancer and death, the effects of asbestos exposure may not manifest for 10 to 30(+) years following such exposure.
Let’s hope and pray that the various governmental entities involved assure a proper clean up, contractor training and regulatory enforcement (as necessary) to prevent recurrence and to assure a safe space within the Gateway Center for human occupancy. The City of Albuquerque desperately needs spaces like the Gateway Center (or similar) to help reduce the presence and suffering of Albuquerque’s homeless population. Lord have mercy!
Psalm 86:15 (NKJV)
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, [l]ongsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”
“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
