Pennsylvania’s Monroe County Housing Authority plans to remove asbestos from 50 of its public housing units. The duplexes, most built in the late 1950s, contain asbestos pipe insulation in the crawl spaces. Officials say that the asbestos isn’t dangerous to residents now: its condition is good and fibers aren’t being released. Over time, however, asbestos products can deteriorate. When that happens, or when the asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, asbestos fiber can be released into the air.
To avoid potential asbestos exposures in the future, the housing authority will hire a certified asbestos removal contractor, who will be required to use protective gear and proper procedures to avoid releasing any asbestos into the air or living spaces.
Exposure to asbestos, even in small amounts, can cause malignant mesothelioma—a cancer of the lining around the abdomen, lungs or heart—if the fibers are suspended in the air and inhaled. Asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer, asbestosis and other serious diseases.
For the full story, go to the Pocono Record.
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