More Asbestos Removal at Salem Library
The Salem City Council in Oregon has agreed to allocate an additional $145,000 to remove asbestos from the lower level of the public library beginning early next year.
The library, built in 1971, was constructed with materials that contained asbestos, as was standard practice within the industry at the time. Before the 1980’s, many buildings used asbestos containing products as insulation or fireproofing.
Asbestos is known to be a health hazard if airborne, causing serious and sometimes fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma. The library would like to replace their lighting fixtures to increase energy efficiency, however must remove certain asbestos containing materials before being able to safely do so.
For now, the asbestos is sealed, intact and in good condition so it does not pose a current health hazard. It is only when asbestos is disturbed, which it would be in upgrading the lighting, that it can become airborne and cause a risk to workers and the public.
This is the third phase of remodeling and upgrades that has called for asbestos abatement. The current project will remove asbestos from the ceiling as well as cleaning of all heating, air conditioning, and ventilation ducts. The removal will be performed by certified asbestos abatement workers with consideration and insurance of safety to library patrons as well as staff.
To find out more about safe asbestos removal, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency or Occupational Safety and Health Agency. To find out more about what to do if you have been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, please visit www.HelpingMesotheliomaPatients.com.
