School Shut Amid Fears Of Asbestos

Officials conducted air-quality tests at a borough elementary school Friday evening, hours after smoke in its basement forced an evacuation and prompted an asbestos scare.

Results of the tests at Merritt Memorial School were not available Friday night, but borough officials said the tests were merely precautionary. The officials said they expected classes to resume on Monday.

"Right now, we plan on having everyone at Merritt Monday, but I will know better once I get the test results," Superintendent Charles Khoury said.

There were conflicting reports throughout the day Friday as to what transpired in a small area under the school gymnasium where contractors were conducting demolition work as part of a renovation project. County officials at first said no asbestos had been disturbed, but borough police said there had indeed been a "fibrous release" of the carcinogenic substance, which was once used in insulation and fireproofing.

Posted by: Scott    Source

Did you know?
Officials conducted air-quality tests at a borough elementary school Friday evening, hours after smoke in its basement forced an evacuation and prompted an asbestos scare. Results of the tests at Merritt Memorial School were not available Friday night, but borough officials said the tests were merely precautionary. The officials said they expected classes to resume on Monday.

View the original article here