Clearing of Asbestos Has Some Worried

Article Added March 4th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

The fourth floor of the University of Montana is getting cleaned up. The people on the third floor, however, are concerned about the work; asbestos is being removed from the floor above them.

Concerns of the University of Montana faculty and staff will be addressed by an independent consultant. The fourth floor of the Clapp Building was evacuated of faculty and staff as the abatement project began. When workers started to remove the material, debris and dust accumulated on the third floor ceiling. Members of the Geology Department occupied a third floor office where dust began to enter. It was thought that the dust may contain airborne asbestos, which can cause respiratory problems.

Two dozen people that work in the building wrote that they do not feel the work is being carried out in a safe manner, and that those who are in the building are being put at risk. Both the teaching and research mission of the school is being affected, they continued. Independent air monitoring and testing was requested, since it is speculated that current air testing only applies to the hallways. Some of the staff, who have Ph.Ds in science have offered to do the testing themselves.

Article Added March 4th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story