Watch CBS News

Toxic Debris Makes Ambler 'Look Like A Third World Country,' Says Asbestos Disease Awareness Advocate

By Justin Udo

AMBLER, Pa. (CBS) --- Officials in Ambler, Montgomery County, a community that has seen a high number of asbestos-related diseases and deaths over the years, reached out to the community about asbestos awareness on Monday.

Linda Reinstein, president of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, says even though it's been decades since the town has had asbestos producing factories, the cleanup is far from over.

"I came down to tour Ambler, and I collected samples and I've had them tested," she said. "One of the debris samples that I had tested is 60% chrysotile asbestos."

Reinstein says anyone can wander into the large site where they found asbestos, and that's unacceptable.

"We look like a third world country in Ambler, when you can stare down at toxic debris that's been left for the community to endure," she said.

"This was a good opportunity to bring the community together to communicate with them, let them know what's going on, give them some education on what to look for in terms of if you find asbestos in your home." says Marilyn Anemto, also with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Anemto says most of the dozens of people who attended the meeting have dealt with losing a friend of loved one to an asbestos-related disease.

"We have a medical expert here helping people figure out what their symptoms might be, where to seek treatment," she said.

Officials also talked to attendees of the meeting about what to do if they think they've found or come across asbestos.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.