While there has been talk that asbestos has recently been found in Saint Xavier University’s Warde Center students can rest assured that this is untrue.
Director of Facilities Management Peter Skach explained that he is unaware of any recent asbestos sightings in the Warde Academic Center and stated, “We had confirmed asbestos to be present in the L-wing space that was renovated during the summer. This was professionally removed as the first phase of the project.”
According to the United States Department of Labor asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are both heat and corrosion resistant. Asbestos has been used in several different products, such as pipe insulations, floor tiles, building materials, etc. The fibers of asbestos are to small to be seen with the naked eye and can cause the build up of scar-like tissue in an individual’s lungs resulting in the loss of lung function which can lead to disability and death.
After testing if asbestos is found Saint Xavier University’s Facilities Management has the infected material safely removed by an abatement company that is both qualified and licensed to remove and dispose of any materials that contain asbestos. It was these procedures that were followed during the removal of contaminated material this past summer.
Facilities Management does have precautions to take should a fear of asbestos contaminated material come up at a later date. Any materials of concern would be tested for asbestos by a qualified testing lab. Should any tests come back positive Facilities Management would look for the best way to safely remove the material or materials with the least disturbance to the Saint Xavier University community.
Catlyn Hicks
Senior News Editor
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