In Binghamton, New York, work is progressing on a renovation project at a local building. The work at the George Harvey Justice Building in Binghamton is reported to be moving along right on schedule. The building is planned to reopen this September, barring any unforeseen complications.
One complication that was planned for had to do with the presence of a potentially dangerous material. Asbestos was known to be present in the building, and had to be dealt with prior to renovations. Asbestos removal can be very costly, due to the extreme precautions that must be taken to keep airborne asbestos particles from traveling elsewhere in the building, or into the air outside the building. Airborne asbestos particles can sicken individuals who are unfortunate enough to breathe them in. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers become permanently embedded in the lungs and other soft tissues of the body, and are impossible to remove.
Asbestos is linked to a whole host of respiratory diseases. These include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, has no cure. Treatment options include Alimta®, a chemotherapy drug, radiation therapies, and surgeries. The cancer is rare, but aggressive.
In addition to removing asbestos, workers also removed jail cells from the Harvey building. The District Attorney’s office, the Public Defender and the Probation Department offices will be moving to new spaces downtown, but will return to the Harvey building at a future date.