MacVittie College Union is currently undergoing the three-week process of asbestos abatement, a necessary precaution for the transformation of the Geneseo University Store into the eagerly anticipated Fusion Market.
The undertaking, which should be completed by Oct. 21, entails interior construction and new installation of plumbing and electricity. These changes could potentially disturb the asbestos used in the original construction of the Union, which opened in February 1970.
Asbestos is a mineral that was popular in manufacturing and infrastructure projects until the late 20th century due to its desirable physical and chemical properties.
“The asbestos throughout the Union serves as a fire retardant sprayed on the substructure, and acts as a floor tile adhesive and as insulation in the walls and ceiling,” said Charles Matthews, director of College Union and Activities.
The use of asbestos has been virtually discontinued or, in some countries, outlawed after the medical discovery that the prolonged exposure to or inhalation of the mineral’s fibers can be detrimental to one’s health.
Malignant lung cancer and mesothelioma are the two most common side effects for those exposed to airborne asbestos particles for extensive periods of time.
“There is no immediate health threat to anyone in the building,” Matthews said. Even so, students have expressed their concerns.
“I feel like we haven’t been educated about the potential side effects of asbestos, so we all think it is much more dangerous than it really is,” freshman Danielle Robbins said.
Sophomore Dalya Kefi said, “For a university to allow such a dangerous substance to be exposed to students compromises their well-being and isn’t conducive to learning.”
Issues with asbestos only arise when the fibers and particles become airborne. Undisturbed, this mineral remains unthreatening to the health of students. A considerable amount of the carcinogen must be inhaled for it to cause significant health risks.
“The abatement of this asbestos was a foreseeable complication in the initial planning for the project,” Matthews said. “Almost every building on campus, with the exception of those which have been recently built or renovated, contains asbestos. Its presence in the Union did not come as a surprise.”
As such, the school has taken all of the necessary steps to ensure the safe removal of the affected asbestos from the Union. Specialists have removed all exposed asbestos from the construction areas, bagged and disposed of it accordingly.
Freshman English major Harry Dole commended the school on its efforts: “They are obviously doing everything they can to keep us safe and healthy,” he said.
“It is good practice not to disturb anything before testing it for asbestos,” Matthews said.
The school is taking all precautions in order to protect the health and well-being of the students as they await the opening of Fusion Market, which is currently set for February 2012.