Employees Arrested for Jeopardizing the Health of Tenants
Amsterdam police said that they have arrested four employees from two property companies on suspicion of seriously endangering the health of tenants. The police also arrested two civil servants from local housing departments in two Amsterdam districts. However, the locations are yet to be disclosed.
According to the police, the suspects repeatedly violated the building regulations. They said that local officials were also involved in the issue.
Police have not revealed the names of the housing firms. The firms have been accused of dividing up properties in Amsterdam to create at least 200 apartments over recent years.
Police said that the firms structurally and purposely cut corners when it came to safely disposing of asbestos during the construction work. Many residents were exposed to asbestos due to this.
Asbestos is a combination of several minerals that separate into long, threadlike fibers. Because they do not bum, do not conduct heat or electricity, and are very resistant to chemicals, these minerals are often used for making fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing, filters, etc. The fibers can enter the lungs as a person breathes. Asbestos can cause many diseases, including cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by this mortal substance. Symptoms of the disease, which can be found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen, may not appear for decades after exposure. But it kills more than half of its victims within seven months of diagnosis.
The police do not rule out the chances of further arrests in connection with the issue.
