Piping at University Sprays Asbestos

Article Added March 20th, 2007 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

A broken pipe at Kansas State brought unexpected support to a chairman’s trip to the capitol over repairs needed. The pipe burst and forced asbestos into a boiler room under the university. It may seem a bit ironic that as the president of Kansas State University was at the state capitol asking for help on overdue repairs for the school, a pipe in the boiler room burst, spraying asbestos into the basement. Temporary repairs were completed, but the patch cannot keep the massive amount of steam pressure at bay for long. The building on campus is running at reduced temperatures, an issue since cold weather is sweeping across the state and turning buildings into freezing compartments. The president of the university pointed out the disaster during his meeting, stating that it underlines the need for funds to maintain the school. Asbestos, which was used as a form of insulation and fire retardant, is normally a safe material. When it is disturbed, though, the substance breaks into airborne particles that can be inhaled. Asbestos exposure can lead to different types of respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma and emphysema. An aggressive form of lung cancer, mesothelioma is often times untreatable when detected. No one was at danger at the university, but if repairs are not completed, the danger of asbestos exposure is still there.

Article Added March 20th, 2007 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story