RPS dealing with damaged asbestos

IU staff discovered and removed potentially hazardous asbestos in 39 dorm rooms during inspections over winter break, according to Residential Programs and Services.\nMaintenance workers found the recorded areas of concern in more than 1,800 rooms and 200 apartments that were inspected, said RPS Executive Director Pat Connor.\nAsbestos currently is found in four residential halls on campus: Tulip Tree Apartments and Forest, Briscoe and McNutt quads.\n"It is a visual inspection of the ceiling to determine if there are areas of concern," Connor said. "Maintenance staff record the information and write work orders for work to be done."\nAsbestos was used for insulation in most buildings built before 1980. Intact asbestos poses no health risks, but inhaling the damaged fibers can harm the lungs many years after exposure. It has been recognized as a carcinogen and is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.\nFreshman Jake Spalding, a student living in Forest Quad, said he attended a high school with an asbestos problem in the cafeteria. \n"One part of the ceiling had renovations and the other had asbestos," he said. "(Asbestos) doesn't bother me. I think with air conditioning and other renovations it will help."\nConnor said all asbestos reports are being handled in a timely manner.\n"Repairs are in the process, and the areas of concern were corrected by maintenance staff in 30 minutes per work order, due to the small work area," Connor said.\nRachel Klein, a freshman who lives in McNutt, said she finds asbestos to be a health risk. But she also said that as long as RPS is working toward changes, it will help with the conditions.\nThe asbestos inspections occurred annually for many years, Connor said, but based on discussion with IU's Office of Environmental Health and Safety about 12 to 15 months ago, it was decided these inspections should be conducted twice a year. This was done because of changes that may occur during the period the rooms are occupied by students.\n"It is worthwhile to monitor the condition of the rooms, correct any damage that may have occurred intentionally or unintentionally by students during the fall term, and stay on top of the issue," Connor said.\nIn regard to having more asbestos inspections, Connor said it is highly unlikely that conditions will rapidly deteriorate through normal occupancy, due to the nature of the ceiling material. \nConnor said he believes that two inspections a year will allow RPS to sufficiently monitor the rooms' conditions.