Asbestos removal a lengthy project in ma church

April 2, 2008, Massachusetts â€" The demolition of former church buildings in North Brookline, MA, highlights the continuing need for an importance of safety regulations for the removal and disposal of asbestos. The rectory of the former church, as well as two garages, is being demolished to make way for a new housing development that will accommodate more than thirty affordable homes. Most of the asbestos was removed from the church buildings in 2004. Remaining materials may include up to 7,500 square feet of asbestos-containing window caulking, roofing tiles, and other materials. The remaining waste is non-friable, meaning that the materials are solid and the release of airborne particles is not likely. This week, work crews began to remove asbestos waste from the St. Aidan’s former church site. Safe asbestos removal involves wetting asbestos-containing materials to reduce the amount of dust generated when they are disturbed. Following the removal of the materials they will be bagged in thick containers and disposed of at a landfill that is equipped to handle asbestos waste. However, neighbors are concerned because they want more information about the demolition. The project’s developer has promised neighbors daily updates during the project, but hasn’t provided locals with an exact date for the demolition of the buildings. Knowing that the buildings contain asbestos waste, some neighbors want to know the planned date of the demolition so they can arrange to temporarily vacate their homes and ensure the safety of their families. David Armitage, from the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, said “In construction, it’s very difficult to get a specific date, because you don’t know how fast the work is going to happen.” Project officials said that work areas would be covered with drapes, and workers would be equipped with air monitors that would detect airborne asbestos fibers. Contractors will also be using air monitors to test the air for asbestos and lead, and work will stop immediately if the monitors detect unsafe levels of asbestos. Some residents don’t feel that those measures are enough. They would prefer that the work be limited to school hours, to minimize the danger to children, and some have asked that neighbors be informed immediately if airborne asbestos is detected. Developers have responded saying that most work will take place during school hours, and contractors will be asked to avoid heavy work at times when students might be in the area. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)