During a pre-renovation asbestos survey, asbestos was found, primarily in floor tiles, at the Okaloosa County Courthouse, built in 1955. The renovation will expand the County Commissioner chamber, allowing more residents to attend meetings there. Although inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause very serious illnesses, such as malignant mesothelioma, officials believe there is no risk in the courthouse as long as the floor tiles remain undisturbed, but the asbestos must be removed before renovations begin. The county has set aside $40,000 to remove the asbestos-containing materials from the area to be renovated, where it could be disturbed and expose people to asbestos fibers. Officials believe the asbestos removal can be done quickly, and courthouse renovations can be completed in September as planned.
For the full story, go to the Northwest Florida Daily News.
