Asbestos found in Public Recreation Area in New Jersey

Chunks of asbestos have been found lying on the ground at a newly-finished recreation field in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The recent discovery has prompted an investigation into just how must asbestos might be present in the soil of the recreation area.

Mayor Richard DiLascio said the asbestos contamination was found near the property line behind the recreation field, which is adjacent to an old railroad track. Officials believe it’s likely that the asbestos became exposed from the installation of a boundary fence.

The area near the property boundary has now been cordoned off until experts can determine whether there is a risk of mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease.

Exposure to asbestos is dangerous because the substance can lie dormant in the body’s organs for several decades without ever showing signs of mesothelioma symptoms. Because of this latency period, mesothelioma treatment options are often limited due to the severity of the diagnosis.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection does not have any specific concerns about safety at the recreation area. In fact, no additional amounts of asbestos have been found on the fields.

Mayor DiLascio said the township is doing just what it needs to in order to ensure the safety of people who use the fields. “We’re taking the precautions, we’re doing the testing, and we’ll do whatever else we’re directed to do.”

The town is working closely with regulatory agencies to make sure there are no risks involved.

The plan recommended by the DEP is to cap the area to ensure asbestos is not a risk. The asbestos will be covered by a layer of clean soil or other material to prevent any further exposure of the substance.

First, however, is a process called soil boring, in which soil samples are taken to determine where and how deep the asbestos is buried. Once that is completed, the DEP will determine the best and safest way to cap the asbestos.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 27th, 2008 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.