Asbestos causes courthouse closure – again -- MesoLink.org -- 02-03-05

A courthouse has had to be closed down recently due to the presence of the deadly mineral asbestos. Asbestos is a substance that can result in mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the abdomen, lungs, or heart, if the dust or particles are ingested. These particles can also cause other adverse health effects such as scarring of the lung tissue.

The courthouse closed late last week, and the presence of asbestos has delayed the opening once already. The courthouse in question is the Battin federal Courthouse building, which is located in downtown Billings between third and fourth avenues North. The asbestos was detected by officials earlier in the week. It was noted that signs of asbestos were in the air on the first floor as well as in the basement.

This same courthouse building has already had to close once in the last two months, and this was due to the same problem of asbestos contamination. It was also closed once before this, again due to asbestos presence.

Asbestos was commonly used in building several decades ago when the building was first erected. Last year construction work was carried was carried out at the building, and it is thought that this exposed the asbestos, causing problems ever since. No long term solution has yet been identified, but staff have been temporarily evacuated.