The cost of renovating the former Westover Elementary School increased by about $30,000 after workers discovered asbestos. The asbestos was found within pre-engineered wall panels. The wall panels were located in a section of the building that was added on in the 1970s.
Workers discovered the material while cutting into the wall to install a window, reports Delmarva Media Group. Samples were sent to be tested, and found to be 25 percent asbestos.
Although the walls must be removed and replaced, the asbestos is encapsulated–making the removal a much simpler process. Because the toxic material is encased inside the wall panels, they are safe to handle. Crews will remove the panels, and workers will install new walls.
Asbestos is a hazardous material, which, when disturbed, can pose a serious health risk to those exposed. Extended exposure to the material has been known to cause several diseases, including mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease, which forms from the mesothelium.
For patients diagnosed with the disease, mesothelioma treatment is often used. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are the most common forms of such palliative treatment. Asbestos cancer has no cure.
Once the asbestos is removed, renovations will resume. Eighteen thousand square feet of the building will be used by the Somerset County Health Department for its addictions program.
The school was turned over to the County Commissioners when the new Somerset Intermediate School opened in 2008.