Illinois ministry put on probation for asbestos violations

Illinois ministry put on probation for asbestos violations

Illinois ministry put on probation for asbestos violations

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

An Illinois man and the ministry he established have been put on probation for exposing individuals to asbestos.
Lack of Asbestos Inspection and Removal

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) investigated Ray F. Landers and his Next Generation Ministries after learning that Landers was in the process of renovating the Virden Nursing Home and had not conducted an inspection for asbestos, according to the State Journal-Register. In addition, Landers failed to remove asbestos from the facility and did not inform the IEPA about the presence of the deadly mineral.

Landers was initially indicted on eight felony counts, eventually receiving 18 months of probation and 90 days in jail, which will remain the subject of court review. He will also have to perform 100 hours of community service and pay $5,000 in various fines.
Asbestos, a Serious Issue

“It was a just sentence that takes into account the seriousness of the offense, the hazard that was created and the potential risk to the neighbors and the community,” Daniel Merriman of the IEPA told the news source. “People tend not to take the asbestos issue seriously.”

Asbestos exposure can cause malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis.
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Illinois ministry put on probation for asbestos violations