Recent discoveries indicate that certain parts of Reitz Union are contaminated by asbestos, and have allegedly been this way for months.

According to a University of Florida (UF) spokesperson, officials were unaware of the danger, along with any awareness of any parts of the building contaminated by asbestos.

Executive Director of the Reitz Union, Eddie Daniels, stated in an email the asbestos will be removed in a few days.

Daniels stated “tests were performed to determine if hazardous materials are present,” which reportedly discovered asbestos in certain parts of “the construction area.”

The Arts and Crafts Center has been sectioned off with signs, with any employees warning the public of the potential risk. Officials cited the risk of “cancer and lung disease”, which are prominent risks associated with environments contaminated by asbestos.

The parts contaminated by asbestos were discovered on Dec. 7, 2016, when workers were working on construction on the building’s lower level. After the discovery, workers had posed signs warning against the hazardous material that could potentially induce fatal lung disease.

Even with the asbestos material removed, renovations are expected to last until Spring 2017 to completely resolve the danger.

Overview of Asbestos Health Concerns

Even with all the precautions, students and other campus employees have seen the signs and are wary of the long term health implications.

Student employee Kate Konieczny stated that it “was a little it concerning” seeing them, as asbestos exposure can induce diseases like asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma.

According to Alligator archives, approximately 120 buildings on the University of Florida’s campus contains asbestos. All visible asbestos material had been removed from buildings over 25 years old, which ended up costing the university $25 million.

However university spokespeople stated they were not aware that Reitz Union had been contaminated by asbestos. Yet they were not surprised, due to the campus building being one of the oldest in the Southeast.

Asbestos was properly used in buildings before the 1980s as a construction and insulation material.

Along with the material’s chemical and fire resistant qualities, asbestos was also considered a very economic choice for builders on a budget. It was soon discovered, however, that asbestos exposure could mean major health complications for the public.

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become lodged in the lungs or stomach. After a certain period of time, as long as 50 years in mesothelioma cases, the fibers fester into cancer cells.

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that develops in the mucus lining of the lungs, specifically caused by asbestos fibers. Due to how long it takes for patients to experience symptoms, mesothelioma is often diagnosed at a latent stage.

Due to the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, manufacturing companies could potentially be held responsible for asbestos injuries. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility for an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.