Mesothelioma and Asbestos News
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City Hall asbestos removal to be complete in 30 days Posted 10/4/06 BAKERSFIELD - Dozens of Bakersfield city workers got an unexpected day off after maintenance workers discovered what turned out to be asbestos. But tests of air samples inside the building revealed the hazardous material did not get into the air stream. City Manager Alan Tandy said last week, workers conducting routine maintenance discovered what they described as suspicious material in the heating and cooling system. Tandy said he learned of the situation Friday, and once tests confirmed it was asbestos, he had the air tested. When it came time to open the building Wednesday, the test results were not in and around 50 city employees were sent home. "It didn't get into the air stream and become a breathing hazard, and that was our main concern," said Tandy. "Every building built before 1980 for 50 years or so has asbestos. It's extremely common." "I wasn't worried," said City Clerk Pam McCarthy. "It really didn't bother me. Out of 12 sites that were tested, asbestos was found in five different locations on both floors of the building. Tandy said the reason it wasn't discovered years earlier was due to its obscure location. The city has hired a firm to remove the asbestos, which will take about 30 days and be done mostly at night. City Hall will be back open Thursday. |
