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EPA Says University Should Inform Students About Benign Asbestos
Students should not be alarmed by the asbestos warning tags hanging in University academic buildings and Gibbons Hall, according to school officials. An official at the Environmental Protection Agency, however, said students should be informed and educated about its presence on campus.
Joe Beres, director of environmental health and safety, said as long as the pipes are not disturbed or tampered with, there is no reason to be concerned. "[They're] fine as long as you don't release the fibers," he said.
Pia Chambers, Asbestos Programs Coordinator for the U.S. EPA Region Three, said that while the agency does not have any regulations regarding CUA's situation, "if the students can see the tags, there's a problem."
The University does not fall under the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) because it regulates only primary and secondary schools - not universities.
Chambers said that while the University has taken an appropriate first step in labeling affected areas, they still need to educate students. "Putting up signs is a good thing," she said, "but at the same time they're alarming [people.]"
"I think [CUA] needs to send some message out," said Chambers, "have some kind of outreach program showing the students, building occupants, and people working there [to avoid those areas.]"
Carl Petchik, director of Facilities Operations, said the signs were posted "so workers know not to bother [the pipes.]" He called the displayed label a "workman's tag so people don't get injured."
"It's okay to have the material as long as nobody touches it," said Petchik. He stressed that there is "no reason for alarm."
Petchik explained that only a plumbing problem would warrant removal of a pipe containing asbestos. If removal became necessary, a professional contracted company would be commissioned, said Beres.
He said that EHS conducts annual surveys of campus buildings, and that asbestos tests are part of these surveys. The signs are put up "as we find out the locations," added Beres.
Tags posted on pipes in Gibbons as well as a sign on the mechanical room door read, "Warning. Contains asbestos fibers. Avoid creating dust. Cancer and lung disease hazard." Pipes in McCort-Ward were found to bear similar warnings. These cautionary signs were posted by EHS and Facilities.
A few Gibbons residents approached EHS with their concerns, but were informed that there was nothing to worry about.
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