Courthouse Asbestos Fears -- MesoLink.org -- 12-21-04

Staff members at a courthouse in Middlesex, Cambridge, are now being represented by an attorney. The staff members in question have raised concerns about asbestos exposure in the building. However, senior court officials have stated that there is nothing to worry about.

The attorney representing the staff members, Chris Milne, has stated that in his view the situation is urgent, and he has suggested that operations be moved to another government building that is due to become free next year. However, court administrators have stated that over 150 tests have been carried out to determine the air quality, and none have returned worrying results.

Justice Robert Mulligan, Trial Court Chief Administrative, claims that lawyers such as Milne are planting seeds of worry into the minds of staff members when there is really nothing to worry about. He stated: ``I'm concerned about people going home this weekend and tossing and turning and being anxious about something that does not present a threat to their health.''

Recent plans to replace elevators in the building and remove asbestos from the lift shafts is though to have sparked the concerns. Staff members were expected to continue to work in the building whilst the work was carried out. However, one official has stated that her team will be immediately removed from the building if any risk is brought to light.