Asbestos News

The discovery of asbestos in the asphalt roof shingles that cover Cherokee Park's Hogan's Fountain pavilion in Louisville, Kentucky, has halted the renovation of the structure, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports.

Locating asbestos represents a major blow to the renovation project, as the removal of the carcinogenic material is expected to cost $28,000, according to the news source. Initially, supporters of the teepee-like structure had raised approximately $45,000 for the project, which the contractor said would be sufficient.

Julie Kredens, a spokeswoman for Louisville Metro Parks, said that the next step for the renovation project will be determined by the structure's backers.

"The project’s status is now on hold. If (the supporters) can raise the money, the project can go forward," Kredens explained.

Asbestos is a major concern as the inhalation of the dangerous mineral fibers has been linked to the development of asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer.

The fate of the pavilion has been up in the air for years, as a 2010 master plan for Cherokee Park recommended the demolition of the structure and replacing it with something more contemporary, according to the news source.