Asbestos Discovered in Massachusetts School

The Cornelius F. Dunn Wing, which was plagued with issues, including ventilation problems, needed to be demolished to make room for the final phase of a high school construction project.

However, demolition of the school was halted when workers discovered asbestos adhesive used during original construction. The asbestos material was found to be holding window casings into the openings in the brick structures.  A licensed site professional was called in to develop a plan for its removal with the approval of the state Department of Environmental Protection. 

Asbestos in schools is a common thing. Many of these facilities were built well before the 1970’s when officials in the United States really started to crack down on the use of such tainted products. For decades asbestos was added to a wide variety of construction materials including tiling, insulation, and adhesives, such as that used in the Danvers school. Unfortunately these materials are still present, putting generations of students and staff at risk for a host of asbestos illnesses.

Often these asbestos materials are discovered during routine audits. The EPA allows asbestos to stay in place if the material is contained.  Affected schools must have asbestos management programs in place, which require regular inspection and upkeep to keep the asbestos fibers from becoming airborne. 

The Dunn Wing was constructed in the early 1970s, towards the end of use of asbestos building materials. While by no means safe, the asbestos products used in the Dunn Wing were consider “safer” than ceiling and floor tiles and other asbestos materials because the adhesive effectively trapped asbestos fibers, keeping them from becoming airborne. 

Because of the nature of this compound, abatement is fairly simple. The bricks and window structures which have come in contact with this tainted adhesive will simply be removed as complete units and moved away from the rest of the demolition activity. They will then be transported to an approved asbestos disposal facility. 

Barring any other unforeseen discoveries, the demolition project should be completed shortly thereafter.