August 9th, 2005

The fourth floor at the University of Montana's Science Complex was recently sealed off following the detection of abnormally high asbestos levels in the air. Maintenance staff found that the levels of asbestos in the air in one of the offices were higher than could be deemed safe, and this resulted in the temporary closure of the area.

Tom Javins, assistance director of maintenance for UM's Facilities Services, stated, ‘‘No air samples have indicated any risk. But we have this dust sample that indicates an unacceptable level in the surface dust in at least one location.''

After the asbestos was detected, the University brought in professional asbestos abatement contractors. Staff, in the meantime, were sent home for their own safety. There has been no construction in the area that could have created the dust, and it is assumed that the dust has therefore stemmed from the steel beams on the ceiling.

The contractor hired has been asked to remove the fire proofing from the beams in the office and nearby offices as well as to take air samples from around the building.