An exhibit worker at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has alleged that for 17 years, his employer allowed workers to disturb asbestos-containing materials without using proper safety measures.  The employee also claims he has an asbestos-related lung disease resulting from his workplace exposures. This Washington Post article details the aftermath of the sad tale that now features OSHA citations, lawyers, and allegations of whistleblower retaliation....  

When you look beyond the obvious lessons to be learned regarding asbestos management, there is another moral to this story.  What commonground members should note is the "smoking gun" of the article - an asbestos survey report produced in 1992 by a consulting firm who worked for the Smithsonian. While environmental professionals should already be aware of the serious nature of the work they do, how many would expect to find a report they produced more than a decade ago hyperlinked in its entirety on page one of a national news report? 

Commenting on this article, commonground member and asbestos guru TomL of The Environmental Institute suggested the following lesson plan for his fellow environmental professionals.  Sit down with your associates who write and review reports. Navigate to the article and click the link to the asbestos survey report. Then watch their jaws drop when the actual report pops-up on their desktops. 

K-gap kudos to TomL for this important reminder!