North Carolina Community College Building Closes Due to Asbestos

The Sun Journal reports a Craven Community College building in New Bern, North Carolina, scheduled to house students on the first day of classes, has closed after asbestos was found in the old floor tile.

New Bern's required testing for a permit needed for renovation of buildings uncovered the asbestos. Asbestos was used in construction materials especially in fireproofing, insulation, acoustical materials, and in floor tiles.

Ten full time employees were in the building during the renovations, but testing shows their exposure was minimal. Health problems from asbestos exposure include lung diseases, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and typically take years to develop.

College employees have been moved out of the building until the building has been professionally cleaned, the asbestos removed, and renovation complete.

The college hopes the building will reopen on or before September 1, 2009.