October 8th, 2007

Police that are stationed in an old Atlanta, Georgia building are nervously waiting for answers. On top of risking their lives everyday to protect the innocent, they may have been exposed to asbestos in their headquarters for more than a year.

Police officers that are stationed at City Hall East in Atlanta, Georgia have one more thing to worry about. Asbestos has been found in the City Hall building that has been acting as a headquarters for some of the officers. While they knew there was a problem with the building when they were told not to drink the water, and instead had water delivered, no one knew that the problems with the building could be life threatening.

Many types of asbestos are safe, and will remain that way if they are left alone. The asbestos in the City Hall building, however, appears to have begun to decompose. When asbestos breaks down, it becomes airborne and can be inhaled. The particles become lodged in the lungs, keeping them from absorbing oxygen and leading to many health issues like mesothelioma, emphysema and asbestosis. Mesothelioma, a form of deadly lung cancer, is directly linked with asbestos exposure. Air tests conducted this week will disclose if the officers are in danger of asbestos-related diseases.