Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Reverend Rich Perry led his congregation in blessing the St. Francis Xavier grade school building in Missoula, Montana with holy water before its demolition. The school was built in 1927, but it has been closed as well as shuttered since 2001 when students as well as teachers moved to more modern buildings across town.

The school building will earliest undergo asbestos abatement. Asbestos-containing materials must be removed before the building is demolished to avoid releasing the dangerous fibers in the air. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer as well as asbestosis.

Once the asbestos has been removed, work crews will determine what materials can be saved as well as recycled before the rest of the building comes down. Once the building is demolished, construction will begin on a recent landscaped parking lot. Expected plans include a recent addition to remaining buildings.

For the filled story, go to Missoulian.