School Building Evacuated Due to Asbestos Concern
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009The Humanities Building at Western Washington University in Bellingham was evacuated Monday because of a possible release of asbestos during renovation work.
A contractor doing renovation work removed a piece of asbestos-contaminated ceiling on Monday and did not properly bag or seal it before removing it from the building, The Bellingham Herald reported. That may have spread asbestos fibers to the rest of the building. Inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers can cause respiratory problems and forms of cancer.
Students and staff were evacuated and classes canceled in the building as a precaution while cleanup contractors assess the situation.
