Evacuation Due To Presence Of Asbestos Dust -- MesoLink.org -- 06-12-06

A huge apartment block complex was evacuated earlier this week after asbestos dust was found in a number of areas, prompting officials to order residents out for their own safety. Over 140 apartments were evacuated when people were ordered out of the 15-building complex. Several of the buildings were evacuated on Saturday and the remainder on Sunday.

Officials stated that asbestos dust was found in a variety of areas, such as stairs, hallways, and other communal areas. Asbestos is a known carcinogenic, and airborne dust and fibers can cause a range of health problems including mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer, through exposure.

An official from the State Health Department stated that tests carried out at the Denver apartments showed the presence of asbestos, and this is why the evacuation had to be carried out. The official added that further testing was to be carried out and that the results of these tests would determine when the residents would be able to return to the apartments.

A complaint was made to the health department a couple of weeks ago according to reports, relating to the possibility of asbestos contamination stemming from the renovation of empty apartments within the complex.