More than 140 apartments evacuated in Denver after asbestos dust found

Canadian Press
Published June 12, 2006

DENVER (AP) - Residents of more than 140 apartments were out of their homes Monday after health officials ordered a 15-building apartment complex evacuated because asbestos dust was found in hallways, stairs and other common areas.

The full evacuation was ordered Sunday after tests found asbestos in all of the buildings, said Christopher Dann of the state health department. Three of the buildings had been evacuated Saturday.

Dann said Sunday's order affected residents of 141 units, but an apartment manager said 174 units were evacuated.

More tests were planned to determine how extensive a cleanup was needed and when residents can return, Dann said.

The health department received a complaint about two weeks ago of possible asbestos contamination at the complex, which had been renovating empty units. Test results were still coming in, but a sample from one building showed levels above the state's allowable limit, Dann said.

Asbestos has been associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen.

Source: www.canada.com