A house in Litchfield, Connecticut has been stripped down to the lintels supporting the windows and demolition temporarily abandoned because an unforeseen asbestos problem has been encountered. Asbestos is commonly found in houses built before the 1980’s. Now it is widely known that asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the body’s cavities and some organs.
The asbestos couldn't have been foreseen because there were slight differences and times when the buildings at Fairfield Hills were constructed. The demolition will now likely cost more than expected because asbestos removal is time-consuming and must follow government regulations. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed, so if the asbestos is not removed properly, workers and community members could be put at risk of contracting peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the abdomen.
The waterproofing in the lintels around the windows contained the asbestos. "Because the exterior walls are load-bearing walls, it means the removal and extraction is a much more delicate process," explained Public Works Director Fred Hurley. “I think we have some workable options but it was not anticipated that we would run into this."
Selectman Bill Furrier has questioned why the project is being overseen by the town department rather than the Public Building and Site Commission. First Selectman Pat Llodra says the fact that it was seen as a maintenance project may be the reason.
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