Renovations at a dorm on the campus of SUNY New Paltz have been brought to a halt after state officials discovered that violations regarding asbestos removal had occurred. The site was shut down during a routine inspection by state Department of Labor officials. The inspector who ordered the shut down found that the New Jersey construction firm overseeing the removal of asbestos from the basement and first floor of the Bouton Hal dormitory was conducting the removal in an improper fashion. Improperly removing asbestos poses serious health risks, as asbestos is a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When improperly removed, the risk of asbestos fibers becoming airborne increases. Those airborne asbestos particles can become lodged in the lungs of workers or neighbors, leading to various respiratory conditions. In addition to various cancers, asbestos can also lead to asbestosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs.
According to college spokesman Erik Gullickson, the college was not cited for the violation. The college was immediately notified of the violation, and has taken measures to ensure that no students or staff is allowed into the building. The building had been closed off during renovations. The construction firm cited for the violations is Milestone Environmental of Morganville, New Jersey. Due to the violations, the firm could face fines.
According to a spokeswoman for the Department of Labor, the building will stay closed until a consultant can assess the issues noted by the inspector. Then those issued will need to undergo remediation prior to resuming the renovation.