Cheshire High School, in Cheshire, Connecticut was closed down earlier this month so that repairs could be made to the floor of the West Gymnasium. Air pockets had created an uneven court surface, but more importantly, there was a concern that asbestos could be released.
Asbestos is highly toxic and exposure could put students and teachers at risk of contracting asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the protective lining of the body’s organs. The gymnasium floor dates back to the 1970’s, and at that time asbestos was used regularly, as its use wasn’t banned until the 1980’s.
Moisture initially caused the floor to buckle, so the flooring and the asbestos underneath it had to be removed. There wasn’t any danger while the asbestos was underground, but precautionary measures have to be taken when asbestos is removed because it can release carcinogenic fibers. These fibers become easily airborne and can be inhaled, lodging in the lungs and causing irreparable damage. After several decades, signs of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affect the lungs and abdomen respectively, can begin to surface.
The gymnasium project cost just under $4,000, and the bulk of the cost, about $3000, was attributed to gluing down the floor. Industry Group of West Haven was responsible for removing the asbestos. The gym was vacuumed and an air sample was taken after for safety.