Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Red Lodge School in Montana is being investigated for possible asbestos violations during a recent remodel of their building. Despite being in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding asbestos management safety, including completion of a mandatory asbestos inventory every three years, workers on the remodel project may have been exposed while removing floor tiling in two rooms.

 

Asbestos is a mineral that was once commonly used in building materials for schools because of its affordability, availability, and fire and thermal properties. Floor tiling in many older schools were made with asbestos. Asbestos, when intact and in good condition does not pose a threat. However, when disturbed, damaged, or destroyed then fibers may become airborne. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. 

 

Once the school realized that the workers may have been exposed to the deadly toxin, both they and the construction company in charge of the project, Hardy Construction, called in certified asbestos specialists to perform abatement and air quality tests. Test results indicated that air quality met safety requirements.

 

Several agencies are investigating the possible exposure site: the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). All are trying to determine if workers on the job suffered occupational exposure to asbestos and may be at risk of developing an asbestos related disease. It may take decades to know if a worker was exposed, as symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer do not appear until decades after first contact with asbestos. 

 

The school is expected to open on time for the new year as all tests indicate that there is no current danger to students, staff or the general public.