December 6th, 2007

This week, the site of one of the most horrific shootings in US history has reopened its doors. While a few rooms are functioning, others are still closed due to asbestos removal.

Two months after a gunman killed 32 people within Norris Hall at Virginia Tech, doors will reopen to the hall – with a few areas still cordoned off. The classrooms where the attack took place will be closed indefinitely, as well as some areas where asbestos was exposed during the attacks. Currently, only a few labs on the first floor are functioning, but it is the first step in rebuilding normalcy within the school. The areas closed off due to asbestos are receiving abatement, and may open in the near future.

While many students wouldn’t think about it, asbestos can be dangerous and can take lives. Asbestos is a friable substance, meaning that it breaks apart into airborne fibers when disturbed. Breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma and emphysema, both of which can take years to be diagnosed. Mesothelioma, a form of deadly lung cancer, occurs when asbestos particles get stuck in the lungs, keeping them from absorbing oxygen. School officials are obviously concerned for the safety of returning students, and will not open the asbestos affected rooms until the dangerous substance is completely removed.