January 10th, 2008

A Connecticut high school that was used during the summer for a weight lifting program found asbestos in the room being used by more than 70 students. The area has been closed off, and air testing is being conducted.

More than 70 students for a summer weight lifting program used the basement of a Connecticut high school for their activities. During routine maintenance, floor tiles pulled up were found to contain asbestos, and the room was closed to the students. While asbestos was detected, school officials said that county health inspectors advised them that the levels were small and the risk of exposure minor. A contractor has been hired to remove the asbestos and air from the basement is being filtered through a testing machine to monitor the levels of asbestos.

Though asbestos is normally a safe substance, when it is disturbed it can break into airborne fibers. Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to respiratory diseases including mesothelioma, emphysema and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a particular concern, since it can take years to manifest, and is often terminal at the time of diagnosis. School officials will make the air sample results public to students, parents and faculty.