Asbestos News

The Baytex Energy Centre in Peace River, Alberta, which houses a number of local hockey teams, has reportedly been closed indefinitely after traces of asbestos were discovered in the building.

According to the Alberta Daily Herald Tribune officials from Peace River released a statement indicating that concerns were sparked among employees after the asbestos discovery.

"The Town of Peace River quickly commissioned a health-certified and qualified firm to do immediate testing of leaked insulation which is common in many cinder block buildings from that construction era," the officials said. "Samples were obtained by the company and upon obtaining four sample test results, one of the four sample was shown to contain a trace of less than 1 percent of actinolite."

With the immediate closure of the arena, the North Peace Navigators Junior B hockey team has been told to remove their belongings from the site, according to the news source.

Taking the proper precaution when it comes to asbestos removal is critical as even low level exposure can have serious health consequences, including the development of asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer.