Two men from Central California, who were accused of using high school students to remove asbestos from a building, have been sentenced to prison for the crime.

According to the Merced Sun-Star, the two men were sentenced last week as a result of a scheme in which their nonprofit, Firm Build – which had been contracted by Merced County Schools to provide teenagers with job training – actually used the students to remove asbestos from a building in Atwater.

The men were convicted of violating Federal asbestos laws.  One of the men received a 27 month sentence, while the other was sentenced to 24 months.

Asbestos is a highly toxic cancer-causing substance which leads to death.  Mesothelioma, which is caused by persistent asbestos exposure, can develop as a result of asbestos fibers entering the lungs.  Using highschoolers to clean up asbestos was not only reckless, but it was also cruel.  As the country continues to clean up millions of buildings which were treated by asbestos, we hope not to see any more cases such of this sort.

The California asbestos and mesothelioma accident attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, are experts in helping those who have been exposed to asbestos. Call us today at (800) 598-0314 for a free consultation, or contact us online.