Asbestos News
Welsh high school closed after flood causes asbestos concerns
Cleanup work is underway at Welshpool High School in Wales, UK, after burst water pipes, radiators and tanks caused significant flood damage, the BBC reports.The school will reportedly be closed to 950 children while the work is completed, according to the news provider.
Flood damage to the ceiling of the school's kitchen has led to concerns over asbestos, according to principal Jim Toal. Toal added that a theater, two gymnasiums and a science lab had also been affected by the flood. The kitchen, however, remained the major concern for the principal.
"The problem is compounded by brown asbestos which was in the kitchen ceiling, and I understand this is the worst asbestos to deal with," Toal told the news source. "I have to wait for the Health and Safety Executive to give me the all clear when it's safe to reopen the kitchen."
It is important that asbestos is properly handled as the inhalation of the deadly mineral fibers can cause a range of serious illnesses including asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.
1/4/11
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