Government Building Has Asbestos Leak

Article Added April 30th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

A Government Printing Office entrance has what appears to be crumbling asbestos near it. The entrance leads to the underground utility tunnels, which have tested positive for asbestos.

Material made of more than 10% asbestos was found on a conveyor belt by GPO safety inspectors. The discovery was unreported until Monday, but had been known since February. It confirms fears that not only tunnel workers have been exposed to asbestos, but that leaks have formed into surrounding passages and areas where others can be exposed. The area where the dust was found is now clean and safe, and the remainder of the building has been tested and cleared of asbestos exposure. Tests will continue for an undisclosed amount of time to make sure the asbestos does not leak back in.

Supposedly, tunnel crew had been warned away from the GPO property after the material was found, and limit the access to necessary equipment. Concern has been expressed that asbestos could find its way into other governmental buildings, exposing workers and public alike. Surrounding buildings have started testing air quality in an effort to detect leaks early on, and procedures for asbestos are under scrutiny, with allegations that facility management knows the procedures do not satisfy OSHA requirements.

Article Added April 30th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story