-March 20, 2008
After an apartment building in Houston burned down, residents are now being told that much of their belongings are infested with asbestos.
After four months of living with relatives and wearing donated clothing, the tenants are discovering that the items that served as a remaining connection to their home may be contaminated.
Building Up in Flames
According to reports, 61 of the apartments in the fire could be contaminated with asbestos and the Houston Housing Authority doesn't have the funds to clean these items.
The fire was reportedly started by a candle that was left burning in one of the apartments.
Asbestos Corrodes Belongings
Since repair work is scheduled to begin in the next couple of days, tenants are being asked to gather the belongings they left behind.
"It's unfair," explained Angela Ho, 78, who is a former resident of the apartment complex. “We were not at fault. We don't have any money. They (the housing authority) need to take responsibility.”
Removal Too Costly
Regina Woolfolk, who is the authority's vice president of external affairs, says that the agency will pay to clean “non-porous” items.
However, its insurance isn't willing to pay to remove asbestos fibers that may be imbedded in the tenants clothing and furniture.
(Source: Houston Chronicle)
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