City Gets Loan to Clean Asbestos

Article Added November 11th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

A former hospital was the site for a ground breaking decision. For the first time ever, the Environmental Department has granted a loan to a city in order to facilitate the removal of asbestos from a public building.

Silver City, NM had a big problem with a hospital that had been closed for a quarter of a decade. The building was in ruins, and the state was requesting that demolition take place. The only problem for the city was asbestos; a lot of it, and no money to engage in abatement. When the Environmental Department of New Mexico was made aware of the lack of funds, they decided to make an unprecedented move – loan the city almost $350,000 to clean up the asbestos.

Though the asbestos poses no immediate threat, the material can become hazardous as it breaks down. Once used as the main source of building insulation, asbestos can become deadly when it breaks into airborne fibers, either from decay of from being disturbed. The fibers can be breathed in, sticking to the lining of the lungs and keeping them from absorbing oxygen. This condition, known as mesothelioma, suffocates its victim over a period of years.

Article Added November 11th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story