Oct 27, 2009 - University of Wyoming Issued Asbestos Notice
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a violation notice to the University of Wyoming for failure to following air quality control procedures during renovations performed in June. The recent notice states that during demolitions, UW failed to conduct an inspection for asbestos prior to beginning work, failed to provide notification, and failed to use trained personnel to remove asbestos containing materials.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral now known to cause cancer and other serious diseases, such as mesothelioma. Asbestos was commonly used in many commercial and construction products prior to the 1980’s so it is likely that the UW buildings under renovation contained contaminated materials.
Asbestos, when in tact and in good condition, does not pose a health hazard. However if disturbed or damaged, as is often the case during renovations, asbestos can become airborne. Once released into the air, asbestos fibers can be inhaled and decades develop into mesothelioma and other asbestos related cancers. Therefore, federal and state regulations exist around the handling, removal and disposal of asbestos, especially in regards to school sites.
Several well known requirements for asbestos abatement are wetting down any asbestos containing materials prior to removal, sealing any contaminated debris in air tight, well marked containers, and disposing such debris at specially designated dumps. UW is accused of failing to follow any of these procedures, possibly causing those on campus to have been exposed to asbestos.
Once the Wyoming DEQ was notified, the University was ordered to perform clean up, although it is unclear whether this occurred as DEQ has not received any notification verifying such measures were taken.
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