The State reports: Worker alleges Smithsonian mishandled asbestos

An ill museum worker alleged in a whistleblower complaint Tuesday that the Smithsonian Institution didn't properly contain asbestos-laden dust from construction at the National Air and Space Museum and penalized him after he complained.

The federal complaint said workers weren't informed of the material's presence until March 2008, even though the Smithsonian acknowledges it knew about the asbestos in the 33-year-old building's outer walls since at least 1992.

Also Tuesday, a congressman who oversees the Smithsonian announced an April 1 hearing to examine workplace conditions at the world's largest museum and research complex.

The Smithsonian, which denies it retaliated against exhibits specialist Richard Pullman, said it has no current plans to remove the material that can cause cancer and lung disease because of prohibitive costs. It said studies show the asbestos at the museum poses no threat to workers or the its 5 million yearly visitors if properly handled or left undisturbed.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the Smithsonian for violating three federal asbestos regulations in July 2008, months after Pullman first reported problems to federal officials.