April 30th, 2008

While construction was being done at a Maryland power plant, a sealed area was breached and asbestos was released into the work area. Tests showed that the amount of asbestos was below the safe amount.

Renovation work was temporarily halted at a Maryland power plant when asbestos was disturbed. An area of the plant known to contain asbestos was sealed off from the work area while construction was being completed. The seal was torn, however, and asbestos was released into the main work area. Air tests were done and it was found that the level of asbestos was well below the limit for being safe. A contractor was brought in to safely remove the asbestos.

Asbestos was often used as a fire retardant material, as well as a form of insulation, prior to the 1980s. While normally a safe material, some types of asbestos can become airborne when it is disturbed. Airborne asbestos has been linked to diseases like mesothelioma, a type of aggressive lung cancer. Mesothelioma results from airborne asbestos fibers being inhaled and trapped in the lungs. Plant officials said that no workers were at risk of asbestos exposure.