Asbestos discovered at North Carolina retail store, prompting mesothelioma worries

A Bi-Lo in Berea, North Carolina shut down last week after it tested positive for asbestos. The building, located on Forest Bridge Road, closed after someone called DHEC to report the issue, reports WSPA.

The asbestos was disturbed during recent renovations. The contractor failed to properly handle the floor tiles, which contained the hazardous asbestos material.

The asbestos was found in a small area of the building, which covered some of the store’s products. The store threw out the products which were covered in the material, and dusted off others.

Asbestos is a highly toxic material, found in many older buildings. When disturbed, the material can pose a serious health risk to those exposed. Such exposure has been known to cause several diseases, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare disease, known to affect 3,000 Americans each year.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease. Instead, patients must undergo mesothelioma treatment–such as chemotherapy and radiation.

DHEC received the asbestos complaint on August 18. Following testing, management closed the store. The store was closed for three days.

DHEC recommends that anyone who shopped at the store may want to see a doctor. Officials believe, however, the risk for exposure is small.