July 25th, 2005

A Franklin Street resident has expressed concerns about asbestos contamination following an asbestos abatement project across the road from her home. The abatement is being carried out at a house across the street, which is due to be demolished. However, the concerned resident, Donna Avila, states that she was not given clear details about the abatement project, and feels that she could be at risk.

Avila states that men in boiler suits were working on the roof of the property, and that small clouds of dust were being released and flying towards her. She said, "I seen this stuff fly over like a little sparkle flying in the air. It wasn't very much, but what I did see I got mad." She also said that as far as she had been aware the work was going to be inside the property and not outside. "I thought it was supposed to be in the house. It was supposed to be the floor. They should at least warn me."

The contractor working on the property, who remains anonymous, said that perhaps Avila had not been given appropriate warning, stating, “I told her we're taking out the asbestos, but in no great detail. I may not have said roof.” However, he added that the only part of the risk that would contain asbestos was mastic, of which there was very little and which does not create dust.