February 20th, 2007

A post office had to be closed earlier this week after relatively high levels of asbestos were detected. The post office was closed as a precaution, as asbestos is a known carcinogenic and exposure to airborne fibers and dust can result in a range of dangerous illnesses and conditions, including the asbestos related cancer known as mesothelioma.

The High Mar Boulder Post Office was closed on Thursday, and an official from the US Postal Service stated that tile work was being carried out in the sorting area of the building, and this is why the air testing took place at which point asbestos presence was detected. None of the employees or customers suffered any ill health as a result of the contamination.

The spokesperson went on to state: “We closed the facility temporarily as a precaution. We will continue to monitor the situation and conduct additional air samples to make sure the customers and employees are safe.”

Employees and services for the post office will be temporarily relocated until the clean up has been carried out and air testing confirms that the area is safe to return to.