HSU’s Gist Hall Closed After Asbestos Discovered Friday
Cliff Berkowitz, Humboldt State University Lecturer and adviser for KRFH, the student run radio, posted Friday evening that Gist Hall where the station is located has been closed until Monday or possibly longer.
“Disturbed Asbestos has been discovered,” Berkowitz wrote.
KRFH is closed, he wrote, and so are all the production rooms.
Other staff reported receiving an email stating that during ” a routine check of the building’s systems on Friday, May 10, the campus discovered the possible presence of disturbed asbestos. Testing will be conducted throughout the weekend and into Monday, and results will be available then.”
Asbestos is a natural mineral used in construction but it is also a carcinogen. When materials containing it are disturbed, people can inhale or swallow its microscopic fibers. The fibers cause inflammation that can lead to tumors and other forms of increased cancer risk.
HSU has had at least two closures because of asbestos over the last 10 years. In 2010 the entire Science A building was closed for a short time after concerns were raised about work being done. In 2014, asbestos was found during a remodeling project in the Student Health Center. And, every year, the University lets employees know that there is asbestos in some campus buildings.
Full email from HSU:
Gist Hall Closed Until Further Notice
Out of an abundance of caution, Gist Hall has been closed until further notice.
All events and other activities in the building have been suspended, and there is no access to offices or classrooms. Finals are being relocated, and that schedule will be shared by email and posted on the building doors as soon as possible.
During a routine check of the building’s systems on Friday, May 10, the campus discovered the possible presence of disturbed asbestos. Testing will be conducted throughout the weekend and into Monday, and results will be available then.
Information about disturbed asbestos(pdf). Direct link: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbe…/…/asbestos_factsheet_508.pdf
Employees who work in Gist Hall should contact their supervisor. For information during non-business hours, contact UPD Dispatch at 826-5555.
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??Good morning Kym, it seems there finding one reason or another to quiet the voices.
Disturbed asbestos discovered? Asbestos was used everywhere in building before late 70’s, so we know it is in the building. So someone reported it when they saw the dust particles in the air perhaps? Rule of thumb is never disturb the asbestos. Cover if possible. Use water when mechanically removing to prevent dust. It’s a big deal. Cost me $25,000 to clean up a 2,200 sq ft house. Doubt Humboldt will spend millions to clean up Gist Hall. Maybe just change the name back to CES (College Elementary School), put kids back in there, and pretend everything is fine, like the old days….circa 1970
When I was in elementary school the steam pipes were insulated with asbestos and the kids had to be reminded that picking at the painted surface was a no-no.
Thanks for the tips.