Chattanooga, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A Chattanooga-based asbestos abatement company has filed a lawsuit against a contractor for over $95,000 owed for work on an affordable housing renovation. This legal action brings attention to ongoing issues related to asbestos management in older buildings amidst the city’s revitalization efforts. The situation reflects broader concerns surrounding asbestos exposure and the enforcement of safety regulations to protect workers during renovations.
Chattanooga
A Chattanooga-based asbestos abatement company has initiated legal action against a primary contractor, claiming it has not received over $95,000 owed for its services in an affordable housing renovation project. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges related to asbestos handling in older buildings, particularly as the city undergoes revitalization efforts.
The names of the companies involved in this dispute have not been disclosed in the report, but the lawsuit adds to a growing list of issues surrounding asbestos exposure and management within the construction and renovation sector.
David Floyd, a business reporter, provides coverage of this lawsuit, indicating the financial implications for those involved. As asbestos was widely used in construction for insulation and fireproofing from the 1920s until the 1970s, many older structures, including those in downtown Chattanooga, continue to pose health risks during renovations.
Asbestos can be safe when intact; however, it becomes hazardous when disturbed, releasing dangerous fibers into the air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established strict guidelines for asbestos handling to protect workers during construction and demolition activities. These regulations stem from a long history of health issues related to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, a lethal cancer linked to the mineral.
One notable case is that of Ray Albright, a former Tennessee legislator diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of working in an environment where he was exposed to asbestos. Albright’s case highlights the serious health ramifications stemming from asbestos and the legal actions many have pursued against their former employers. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma forty years after his exposure, underscoring the long latency period of the disease. Albright and others have filed lawsuits seeking accountability from the companies that jeopardized their health.
The U.S. Department of Labor has imposed fines on various companies for failing to safeguard their workers from asbestos exposure, directing attention to the need for strict compliance with safety standards. Recent developments in Hamilton County also saw the issuance of several new business licenses, but these are unrelated to the ongoing asbestos issues.
Historically, Chattanooga faces the challenge of dealing with its older buildings and the hazardous materials within, but recent development successes have led to the city’s transformation from one labeled as one of the “dirtiest cities” to one of the most livable in America. Developers are now focused on revitalizing and reimagining these spaces while navigating the complexities of hazardous materials, particularly asbestos.
Albright’s situation signifies the critical need for awareness and responsibility concerning asbestos management. He navigates the life-altering health consequences while facing the reality of a terminal diagnosis, which has led him to reflect on the impact that asbestos exposure has had on his health and planned future.
FAQs
What company is suing the primary contractor in Chattanooga?
A Chattanooga-based asbestos abatement company is suing a primary contractor for over $95,000 owed for its services related to an affordable housing renovation project.
What health risks are associated with asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health effects, including mesothelioma, a lethal cancer that develops long after initial exposure.
What regulations exist for asbestos handling?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established strict guidelines regarding the handling of asbestos to protect workers during construction and renovation.
What is the current state of the Chattanooga affordable housing project?
The current state of the Chattanooga affordable housing project is impacted by the lawsuit, which could affect the timeline and completion due to the financial dispute.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Chattanooga |
| Lawsuit Amount | $95,000 |
| Health Risks | Mesothelioma |
| Historical Use of Asbestos | 1920s-1970s |
| Regulatory Body | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Affordable Housing Lawsuit
- Local 3 News: Asbestos Discovery Fines
- News Channel 9: Former State Senator Asbestos Case
- Times Free Press: House Flipper in Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan: Million Dollar Homes in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Asbestos
- Google Search: Asbestos Regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Asbestos
- Google News: Asbestos Lawsuit
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Housing
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
