Asbestos News

A California library will have to be closed longer than expected after asbestos was found during renovation work.

The Yucaipa public library in Yucaipa was closed in late March for remodeling work but during, the project workers reportedly found old asbestos-containing tiles, reports the Riverside Press Enterprise.

The tiles, which reportedly date back to the time of the library's original construction, had been covered by new flooring over the years and when the workers began to tear up the carpet they made the discovery, according to the San Bernardino County Library System.

When asbestos is found during renovation work it is essential that it is handled properly because exposure to the naturally occurring mineral can cause some serious illnesses such as lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer that attacks the thin membrane that lines the chest, abdomen and many of the body's internal organs.

The news provider reports that it is not yet known precisely how much asbestos is in the library so a firm date for the re-opening of the building has yet to be set.