January 1st, 2008

A post office building in Tennessee violated an asbestos warning last week when it continued to operate after asbestos was found. A safety manager said that, despite, the warning, there is no danger to employees.

The postal service in a Tennessee town was fined this week after it was found to have violated an asbestos warning. The building’s floor tiles were crumbling, and found to contain levels of asbestos. A warning was given stating that asbestos in such an environment could be dangerous, that the flooring needed to be replaced, and that workers must be provided with a safe working environment. Despite the warning, which indicated that employees could be exposed to asbestos when touching or moving mailbags, safety managers said there was no immediate danger, and that abatement was scheduled.

The asbestos raises concern, since the material is breaking apart and can become airborne. When asbestos fragments, the airborne particles can be inhaled, leading to respiratory diseases including mesothelioma, emphysema and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer, is caused by asbestos fibers becoming stuck in the lungs. The fibers keep the lung tissue from absorbing oxygen, slowly suffocating the victim. Preliminary air tests showed safe levels of the dangerous substance.