WKU Closes Areas Of Center
Because Of Asbestos Release
June 23, 2003
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University has closed some areas of the Center for Research and Development after asbestos-containing ceiling tiles that were being removed were broken and asbestos fibers were released.
The common areas—the main hallway in the center section of the building—has been closed and sealed by a private contractor until the asbestos can be removed. At this time, businesses leasing space in that section of the former Bowling Green Mall can access their offices from exterior exits. Occupants are being contacted and briefed on the situation.
Maintenance workers were removing ceiling tiles last week when they were discovered to contain asbestos. Those tiles are thought to be part of the original building, which opened in the early 1960s. WKU is working with the Environmental Protection Agency's Division of Air Quality to determine the extent of testing and cleanup needed to safely reopen those areas of the building.
Western officials will also be working to determine the level of exposure, if any, experienced by the maintenance workers and occupants.
More information about asbestos is available from the EPA Website at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/asbestos.html.
More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
