Spring Break
URI building renovated after asbestos outbreak
Elexa Broder
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: News
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According to the Director of University Facilities Services Jerry B. Sidio, asbestos was one of the most common materials that was extensively used during the 1970s. It is often found in ceiling and flooring tiles and was originally used because it was both extremely durable and flexible.
Sidio said asbestos is dangerous because when a tile breaks it releases asbestos fibers into the air.
He also said in the 1970s, the U.S. Department of Health and Wellness condemned the use of asbestos because of the dangers it posed, so it was no longer used in construction materials.
According to the Web site cancer.gov, long-term exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers may cause asbestosis, a condition of severe inflammation of the respiratory track and the lungs, which may lead to a cancer known as mesothelioma.
Sidio said that at least 50 percent of URI's buildings were built with, and still contain, asbestos-based tiles.
Sidio said Facility Services began an asbestos removal project on the second floor of the Sherman building last Monday. He said the carpet and tiles were removed by Wednesday of last week and new flooring is scheduled to be installed by this Wednesday.
Sidio said only the second floor of the Sherman building was closed, and the first floor remained safe to access.
Although the carpet replacement is a routine procedure URI's older buildings are required to undergo inspections that test for asbestos, Sidio said.
"We've been trying to do it for several years and just decided to get it launched this year," Sidio said. "We don't necessarily know right now, in every building, what's there. What we know is that when we go into a building and do a renovation, we do a test to see if it's there."
Sidio said while in a controlled state the asbestos is not harmful. According to Sidio, an asbestos floor covered by a carpet is not health-threatening.
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