Cancer-causing asbestos still an issue at Wisconsin college campus

January 17, 2010 by admin
Filed under News

Manomonie, Wisconsin – December 9, 2009
At the University of Wisconsin-Stout, asbestos concerns have resurfaced. Just last month, concerns were raised about the safety of an elevator in Price Commons thought to contain asbestos. Now, a leak in a steam pipe at the college’s Harvey Hall has exposed parts of the ceiling which are thought to contain asbestos. This has prompted university officials, including Chief Union Steward Steve Riley, to raise concerns about appropriate asbestos containment and safety issues.

Earlier this year, Union President John Gast lodged two formal complaints to the state Department of Commerce regarding asbestos exposure during the renovations of Price Commons.

A report supplied by Gast indicated that a “freight elevator was contaminated with asbestos during the abatement process.” A report compiled after that incident listed 51 violations of health and safety codes.

The area affected by the steam leak has been covered with plastic sheeting to contain any asbestos that might be present. Airborne asbestos fibers can be easily inhaled or ingested by human beings, and over time these fibers irritate the lining of internal organs like the lungs. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the onset of mesothelioma many decades later. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and the majority of patients lose their battle with this type of cancer within two years of being diagnosed.

Doug Mell, director of university communications, stated, “We were notified by maintenance that there was a potential small problem with a pipe in the ceiling of Harvey Hall. We had two certified asbestos people who went in to inspect the ceiling. They closed the room, sealed the pipe, and then reopened the room. The whole system worked the way it was supposed to. Our written policy was followed to the ‘T’, and that policy is posted on our website.”

[Via-mesothelioma.com]