Officials Claim Courthouse Asbestos Pose No Threat

“Danger, asbestos, cancer and lung disease hazard,” warn signs in both English and Spanish posted around the Palm Springs courthouse in Riverside County, California. These signs are intended to prevent courthouse employees and visitors from wandering into areas of the courthouse undergoing renovations to become compliant with modern building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some of the sections undergoing renovation contain asbestos and asbestos-containing materials such as insulation.

Despite the threatening tone of the warnings, the spokesman for the County Supervisor stated that the signs were simply a precaution and that the public had nothing to worry about. He says that the county is taking all the steps required by law in order to inform and protect the public from the asbestos threat. The signs are just a part of these requirements. Additionally, the county is sealing off the areas with exposed asbestos with plastic.

Steven Hinde, an asbestos consultant on the remodeling project, said that no danger would be posed if the company performing the renovations took the proper steps to control asbestos dust. These include using a certified asbestos company, sealing off the area, and using a negative air return to keep airborne particles confined to the construction site. The county has not disclosed which company will be doing the work and whether or not it is certified.

Inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers can result in lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Symptoms of these, however, do not appear until 10 to 20 years after exposure, or even longer.

Source:

“Asbestos Under Control at Courthouse”, The ( Palm Springs , CA ) Desert Sun , 22 August 2008

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