November 8th, 2007

The demolition of a building ravaged by fire was temporarily postponed when asbestos was found. Areas must now be tested for the dangerous substance, and the building will have to have the asbestos removed before demolition can continue.

The demolition of a historic building in Monterey, California has been delayed after asbestos was found on the site. The building had been razed almost to the ground by a quick-moving fire in February of this year. After an inspector had been hired to inspect the building and its fire damage, the inspector noted that the building should be torn down due to structural problems resulting from the fire. But almost as soon as demolition started, it had to stop. Asbestos was found in the insulation and piping of the building.

Asbestos needs to be removed from a building, especially a damaged one, by a licensed professional. Mishandling disturbed asbestos can cause the material to break apart into particles that can be inhaled. Breathing in asbestos particles can lead to emphysema and mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. Though mesothelioma can lay dormant for years, the effects are devastating since the condition is often terminal at the time it is diagnosed.