November 22nd, 2007

A Massachusetts middle school’s renovations are going to cost a lot more than the small town had budgeted for. After an old heating system was removed, asbestos was found in the foundation underneath.

As an old heating system was removed from a Massachusetts middle school, officials found that not only had old pipes beneath the building burst, but so did the budget for the renovations. As the old school was being ripped down to the pavement, asbestos covered pipes were unearthed where the new parking lot would be. The removal of the asbestos will increase the renovation’s budget by $300,000, some of which will most likely have to be borrowed from the state.

The asbestos needs to be safely removed in order to avoid a public health concern. When asbestos is disturbed, such as when it is removed, it can break into airborne particles. These particles can be breathed in, resulting in many types of respiratory illnesses including emphysema and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that occurs when asbestos particles become stuck in the lungs. Diseases related to asbestos exposure can take years or decades to manifest, and are usually terminal when diagnosed. These concerns make it imperative that the asbestos be removed safely and by licensed professionals.