mesothelioma

The village of Waverly is still working to secure a closing date for the purchase of the old school building, which is expected to cost approximately $290,000.

Village officials have chosen the firm Hunt Engineers to conduct the asbestos testing at the former school building. It has been reported that it will cost the village $3,909 to pay for Hunt to conduct the tests.

This project is part of a maximum $2.9 million project passed by voters through a December referendum.

The former Ithaca Street School will undergo any needed asbestos abatement and renovations in order to transform the building from a school house into a new village hall.

These areas of the building were previously identified as possible asbestos sources during an engineering report that was conducted by Hunt Engineers.

Trustee Jerry Sinsabaugh explained that the engineering firm will primarily be looking at the building's floor tiles and pipe joints.

Asbestos abatement is important during renovation in order to protect workers and average citizens from being exposed to the deadly substance. Asbestos, when inhaled, can lead to medical conditions including pleural mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer.

Asbestos was once a common component in building materials, including pipe insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, textured paints, popcorn ceilings, and even siding. Despite the institution of strict asbestos regulations in the early eighties, asbestos materials are still found in over 35 million homes, commercial buildings and schools nationwide.