Mesothelioma asbestos controversy in Marco Island, Florida

In Marco Island, Florida, city officials may face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines from the EPA due to the improper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. According to officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the city of Marco Island allegedly pulverized and buried over 260 feet of asbestos-laden pipe materials during the creation of Collier Boulevard.

The EPA argues that much of that material may still be lurking beneath Veteran's Park. The EPA wants to fine the city and Quality Enterprise up to $37,500 per day of violation. With violations suspected to date back to 2006, the city could be facing very high fines.

Asbestos exposure is linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms. Sadly, a number of mesothelioma patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis.