April 20th, 2007

Following the discovery of asbestos during electrical work, the basement of the Hayes County Courthouse has been closed with no access available to the area at all. Built in 1954 the courthouse suffered some flood damage in the basement area recently, and following this commissioners from Hayes County decided to remove the old steam pipe system that was being used.

However, when the piping was removed by county employees it was found to be insulated with asbestos. As a result of the discovery a specialist has had to be called in to oversee a clean-up project before any further access to the basement area of the building can be considered.

Asbestos was once widely used for piping and insulation, but in the 1980s it was found that this material – which was popular because of its heat and fire resistant properties, its versatility, and its cost effectiveness – could cause a range of health problems through exposure, including scarring of the lungs, respiratory problems, and a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

A specialist firm has now been hired by the county to deal with the removal of asbestos from the remainder of the pipes, and this clean up project will be supervised by a health industrial specialist. A clean-up will also be performed by the contractor to meet state specifications.