Asbestos News

A cathedral in Bradford, England, must undergo a costly asbestos removal as part of its $400,000 facelift, The Telegraph and Argus reports. After the asbestos is removed, painting and decoration will resume. The asbestos removal and remodel will take approximately three months.

In the 1960s, the ceiling of Bradford Cathedral was sprayed with white asbestos, and the potentially carcinogenic material was left unnoticed until 2006 when a survey was taken of the interior of the building. Asbestos was found, but the material had not yet become airborne. Cathedral administrator Chris Aldred explained that professional asbestos removers will be dealing with the material. While the removal and renovation takes place in some portions of the church, the building will remain open.

"The Cathedral is not closing," Aldred told the publication. "The building is perfectly safe. Although the area from the chancel and sanctuary will be out of action for three months, the usual services will still be held."

While the Bradford Cathedral's asbestos removal will leave church members safe, others are not so lucky. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 107,000 people die each year worldwide as a result of asbestos-related diseases such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis.