December 12th, 2007

While radiator’s were being repaired at a Pennsylvania college, asbestos insulation was found and the affected rooms were closed. The asbestos was contained, and will be safely removed before the rooms will reopen.

While leaks above two radiators at a Pennsylvania school were being repaired, a worker looked down and noticed what he thought was insulation peeping out. The insulation was found to contain asbestos, and the affected part of the building was closed. The amount of asbestos was small enough, and the insulation was in such good shape, that health officials said it had not posed a health threat. One teacher is questioning if the exposed material was not a health problem, although preliminary reports point to conclusions that there was no danger.

Asbestos is only dangerous when it breaks down or is improperly removed. The substance can then break into airborne particles and can be breathed in. Asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and emphysema, as well as other dangerous diseases. Mesothelioma results from trapped asbestos particles keeping the lungs from absorbing oxygen and can take decades to manifest. The insulation will be removed, the radiator repairs will commence, and the two affected rooms can then be reopened after a sterile cleaning without any danger of exposure.