Pipe burst raises asbestos concernsBoston, Massachusetts - A steam pipe burst in Boston, Massachusetts' Post Office Square raised asbestos concerns Wednesday. The pipe, which lies beneath Milk Street, burst through the pavement. Dirt and gravel were sent in all directions.
"You couldn't see. There was like a lot of fog and everything," said a pedestrian. The burst left a large hole in the street.
“Thank goodness there wasn't no pedestrians or anybody out here, and the weather was like today. Nice day and there would've been a lot of people out here, so we're fortunate it rained as it did," said Fred Ellis Jr., the Boston Fire Department.
The steam leak was similar to another incident in Boston last month, when a pipe burst in the South End area, reports WHDH.
Hazardous material crews were on the scene, prepared to clean up any dangerous substances, such as asbestos. At first, it wasn’t clear if high levels of asbestos had contaminated the area.
Roads were shut following the burst, in order to ensure the public’s safety. No asbestos, however, was discovered on site.
Asbestos is a toxic material, found in many older homes and buildings. When disturbed, the particles can become airborne, and pose a serious health risk to those exposed. Extended exposure to the material has even been known to cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos cancer, which affects nearly 3,000 Americans each year. The disease forms from the mesothelium, and most often affects the lung, heart and abdominal cavities.
Crews are working to repair the steam pipe.
