Albany School Closes Due to Asbestos

An elementary school in Albany, New York, is set to close for an estimated year due to the asbestos that was found corroding the property.

As a result of the closure, children are being forced to register at other local schools in their community.

Asbestos Found and School Takes Action

The Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology is reportedly known as a magnet school within the Albany City School District.

However, a large amount of asbestos was found in June when crews began working on a window replacement and a minor asbestos abatement project.

“In doing this work, they found there were places that we believed to be remediated in the late 1980’s that were not remediated for asbestos,” explains a spokesman for the school district, Ron Lesko.

Students Displaced due to Asbestos Cancer Risk

The 500 students who attended Thomas O’Brien will be forced to move to schools like Philip Schuyler and Western Avenue.

“There is a perception of asbestos cancer and health risks. We don’t want to take any possibility of putting anyone at risk and want to protect the students and the staff” explained Lesko. “We will remediate the building properly and have work complete between 2009 and 2010.”

(Source: Daily Gazette)

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