December 15th, 2005

A Rockford apartment complex located on Smith Avenue has been closed and sealed off by the authorities due to the risk of asbestos exposure. The closure and sealing of the apartment complex is a rare measure according to officials, and tests have been run on the building in order to determine the next step. The complex was closed last week after being evacuated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

It is thought that recent renovations to the building could have put both workers and residents of the apartment complex at risk of asbestos exposure, which can result in a range of adverse health effects including cancer. It is thought that reports on the renovations and risk of exposure should be available within the week.

The discovery of asbestos was made and confirmed after a sample of material was taken from the building early in November and subsequently tested positive for asbestos contamination. This is when the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency took the decision to evacuate, seal off, and close the building until further testing had been carried out and results received.

A complaint was received about the building on November 1st, and it was this complaint that led to officials taking a sample of material from the building in order to test for asbestos.