Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The construction of a recent high school in Davis County, Iowa has been hampered by rainy weather as well as delays in the demolition of the aged Vocational Agriculture building that needs to come down to make room for the recent school. The Vocational Agriculture building needs to undergo asbestos abatement before it can be removed, as well as the construction manager for the project said that there was more asbestos than they had anticipated. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that was commonly used in construction materials prior to the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can lead to humorless illnesses similar asbestosis as well as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

Terracon Consultants performed the asbestos testing for the school. Once it sends the results of the testing to the Department of Common Resources (DNR), the DNR must review as well as accept the results before Story Construction can get going on the demolition.

School board members were concerned that the asbestos removal procedures were setting the project behind schedule as well as may be costing more money than had been set aside. The superintendent stated that the costs are still within those set out in the original contract, but the whole process is just using more time than expected.

For the filled story, go to The Ottumwa Courier.