Asbestos News

Repair work being conducted at the site of Jamaica's Parliament has been delayed after asbestos was reportedly discovered in the facility's roof, the Jamaica Observer reports.

"It has been pushed back," Houses of Parliament clerk Heather Cooke told the news source. "A major delay was caused due to the discovery of asbestos in the roof some time between the end of August [and] early September."

With the repair work ongoing at the Gordon House - where parliamentary procedure typically takes place - meetings have been held in a number of different locations since the summer break ended in early September, the Observer reported.

Cooke explained that the asbestos discovery, in addition to other "structural faults" that were uncovered while the renovation work was being completed, have pushed the expected reopening date back to November 9. She added that she was not yet aware of any additional costs expected to be added as a result of the asbestos find.

Ensuring that asbestos is properly removed during renovation projects is crucial as the dangerous mineral fibers can become airborne when loosened during such work. The inhalation of these fibers can, in turn, lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.