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Elevator on U of Wisconsin campus tests negative for asbestos
A second round of testing has been completed on a freight elevator in Price Commons at the University of Wisconsin's Stout campus. The elevator, suspected of containing asbestos, has now been shown to be free of detectable levels of the substance.
Exposure to asbestos is conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, which affects less than 3,000 Americans each year. Treatments like chemo can help some patients; however, there is no known cure. The majority of mesothelioma sufferers lose their battle with this form of cancer in less than two years following their diagnosis.
Concerns about asbestos exposure in the elevator sparked a state Department of Commerce (DOC) inspection earlier this month. The ensuing report enumerated over 50 health and safety violations. The most recent test of the elevator was ordered by Wisconsin's Division of State Facilities (DSF) The asbestos test was performed by Environmental Management Consulting (EMC).
"This is the second time the elevator has been cleared," said Doug Mell, director of communications for UW-Stout. "We knew that it was safe to use, but this just confirms it. The DSF had it cleaned and tested earlier this summer. We knew it was clean," he added. "But because of the claims raised in the Department of Commerce report, the DSF thought it wise to do it again, and they did."
Gregory Jones, administrator of the department's Division of Safety and Buildings, has gone on the record stating that the first report on the violations at the school was flawed.