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Deal Reached Between the State and The City of Detroit Over Asbestos Removal

DETROIT (AP) - The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced that a deal has been reached with the removal of asbestos in vacant homes in the City of Detroit.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced the consent judgment Friday and says it requires Detroit to operate in compliance with all state and federal asbestos rules.

The agreement also requires the Detroit Building Authority to conduct additional inspections to check for asbestos prior to demolitions. Detroit also must pay a $100,000 settlement, but can submit a proposal for a supplemental environmental project within 12 months which may reduce that amount.

The city has said funding will be withheld from demolition contractors who failed to properly dispose of materials containing asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can cause cancer and other lung ailments.

© 2018 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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