The University of Chicago, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood, is a private university dedicated to research. The institution has both undergraduate and graduate programs. As a leading Chicago citizen, the university has crafted an intensive and far-reaching asbestos and asbestos abatement policy.
What is Asbestos Containing Material?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that can be found in rocks. It was mined and used in construction for its superior insulating properties and for its excellent fire resistance. Unfortunately, the release of asbestos fibers called “fibrils” into the air and their subsequent ingestion and/or inhalation can result in:
- Lung cancer.
- Lung tissue scarring.
- Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Asbestos is still not totally banned in the United States, but its use in new construction has been significantly curtailed. The problem is that even up to the 1980s, asbestos was used in construction and can today be found in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, plaster walls, or under carpet that has covered tiles.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) need to be detected before any building renovations are scheduled, and the University of Chicago has prepared a wide-sweeping asbestos policy.
No Employees Shall Perform Asbestos Work
The university first states that:
No employee of the University of Chicago shall perform any type of asbestos work. All removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) shall be performed under controlled conditions by asbestos abatement workers trained via the EPA Model Accreditation Plan and licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Clearly, the university does not wish to be liable for any employee-involved asbestos exposure.
Finding ACM
Next, the asbestos policy explains that the Department of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for locating ACM and managing all ACM abatement procedures. Those who think they have an asbestos issue at the school need to submit a form. Asbestos abatement can only be attempted by university-approved contractors and servicers. Of course, all building occupants must be notified of the issue.
Outside Contractors
Outside contractors have deep responsibilities also as they have to provide ACM training to all of their employees.
Contractors
Undisturbed ACM can sometimes be left alone, but contractors must be aware that the following activities could disturb ACM and cause dangerous particles to circulate:
- Floor tile repair.
- Floor tile drilling.
- Removing existing ceiling tiles.
- Removing insulation from pipes and air ducts.
- Removing furnace gaskets.
- Attempting to repair holes in insulated pipes.
Proactive
The University of Chicago has been proactive in its search for ACM and presumes that any buildings built before 1980 contain ACM. Therefore, before any building renovation is even contemplated, all responsible parties must contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety to help determine if their project would disturb the dangerous substance.
Chicago Asbestos Exposure Sites
- Casimir Swiss
- Chicago Tribune
- Commonwealth Edison
- Exxon Mobil
- Fisk Power
- Hall Printing
- Hyatt
- Matin Oil
- O’Hare Airport (ORD)
- Raytheon
Chicago Mesothelioma Attorney
As you can see, asbestos can be found anywhere, especially in a classic rust-belt city like Chicago. If you or a relative thinks they have been exposed to asbestos anywhere in Chicago whether the location is public or private, you need to contact a qualified Chicago Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call the experienced attorneys today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.
