An asbestos removal project has begun in downtown Billings, Montana, for the former James F. Battin Federal Courthouse.

By beginning this intense undertaking, the significant five story structure can begin the journey to its former glory while it has been unoccupied for several years.

Asbestos Removal Project Underway

One of the parties in charge of the asbestos removal project, the president of the Billings firm managing the renovations, EEC Quentin Eggart, stated the removal process is already several weeks underway and should be finished within six to eight months.

In addition, Eggart stated there are approximately 50 “skilled and certified workers” involved in the asbestos removal project.

Large spaces of the building’s material consists of asbestos on each floor, with Spray Systems of Arizona conducting most of the removal work.

By the time all of the asbestos is removed from the building, both internal and external renovations can begin to insure the complete removal of asbestos.

The estimated cost of the asbestos removal project is $4 million, with over $3.2 million of the cost being covered by the new building owner.

However, Eggart pointed out that removing the asbestos is about one third of the initial estimated cost, with between $10 million to $16 million given to the federal government when the building became for sale.

Eggart has not applied for financial assistance for the asbestos removal project, calling the $4 million estimate “very reasonable.”

Alaska company, WC Commercial LLC bought the building and was the only bidder, with owner Joe Holden stating he was excited to “bring the building back to life.” WC earlier announced that the building would become office space after the completion of the asbestos removal project.

Overview of Asbestos Exposure Concerns

Asbestos is a fibrous material which was popularly used as a building or construction material before the 1980s. This material was especially popular on United States Navy ships for insulation due to its fire resistant and chemical resistant nature.

However, it was soon discovered that asbestos imposed major health concerns when inhaled or swallowed. Once the fibers enter the respiratory system, people become unsuspecting victims to a number of serious health problems.

Two of these conditions are serious forms of lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer, which differ in affected areas. While mesothelioma is cancer that festers in the mucus lining of the lungs, asbestos lung cancer directly attacks the organ.

These diseases can take up to 50 years to develop or show any symptoms. For this reason, patients are often diagnosed at a latent stage and have little treatment options. Due to the major health health concerns, federal regulations require employers to warn employees or inhabitants of its presence.

Furthermore strict removal procedures must be followed, as asbestos is not dangerous unless it is released into the air.