December 30th, 2007

A New Mexico university is being held accountable for reports that they violated safety and information laws regarding asbestos and lead found in dorms on campus. Students living in the dorms filed the complaints.

In a new report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency the presence of asbestos and lead were disclosed in dorms on one New Mexico university campus. Students filed complaints after renovations began, and workers were seen removing asbestos-containing materials without notifying the residents and potentially putting them in danger. The students said that the workers were removing and containing the dangerous material down hallways from occupied dorm rooms, making the matter one of public safety.

The university stated that they adhered to all rules pertaining to asbestos removal including using certified abatement specialists. Asbestos removal needs to be conducted by licensed professionals in order to keep the public safe from exposure. Asbestos exposure can lead to diseases including emphysema and mesothelioma, a type of aggressive lung cancer. While emphysema can be caused by other factors, mesothelioma is directly linked with breathing in asbestos fibers when the material has been disturbed or improperly removed. School officials state there was no danger of exposure.