Asbestos Discovered Close To Holyoke Playground -- MesoLink.org -- 07-20-06

City workers in Holyoke have discovered a site filled with uncovered old insulated tiles that contain asbestos. Work had to be stopped after the discovery because officials stated that there was more of an issue than originally thought, and that such risks could not be taken.

Contractors were working on removing gravel and laying a new pavement at the Anne McHugh Alternative School parking lot when the discovery was made. One city official stated: "There was flooring and it had tile on it and material on it based on the age of the foundation that we knew was here it was likely that it had asbestos."

The tiles are very close to the playground, and officials state that this raises even more concerns. One official stated: "Asbestos has been linked to respiratory problems. We don't want people coming by and spending time down here."

Officials also state that the tiles came from the destruction of the original school, which was destroyed in a fire around 40 years ago. Any untouched insulation tiles will now remain in the ground but contaminated soil is to be removed.