A few facts about asbestos

Some have expressed concerns about health as a result of thetemporary closure of the Life Sciences Centre (LSC).

Asbestos is most often contained within binding materials; inthis form there is no hazard to health. Asbestos only becomes arisk if the fibres become freed from these materials and arereleased in the air. The risk to health then depends on thenumber and size of the fibres, the duration and frequency of theexposure to such fibres and the amount of time since the exposure,should such exposure occur. 

Removal and safe disposal of asbestos has taken place within theLife Sciences Centre with numerous controls and procedures inplace. This work is being performed by experienced contractors. Aninvestigation is currently taking place in order to confirm thatthese procedures and controls have been followed. 

However, further to the discovery of very small quantities ofasbestos near the loading dock of Biology, precautionary cleaningis being performed and extensive air testing is taking place. Allresults received thus far indicate `none detected`, that is, thereis no airborne asbestos. As these results are confirmed with theDepartment of Labour, areas of the LSC are being re-opened foruse.

Further information on asbestos and the potential health effectscan be found at the Health Canada website.

Ray Ilson is the director of Dalhousie's Environmental Health and SafetyOffice.