Aspen, Colorado rescuers strive to save worker at asbestos-contaminated school site

Fire and rescue workers were recently called to the scene of a school demolition site in Aspen, Colorado, where a freestanding wall had fallen on a construction worker. According to school officials, the worker was part of a crew performing demolition at the school, which involved the removal of vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral that often contains asbestos and has been linked to lung disease. When the rescue workers arrived, they noticed that the crew was working in a plastic-draped construction zone and that the men were wearing disposable protective suits and breathing masks. Though the rescue workers realized that their potential exposure to asbestos might pose additional danger, they were undaunted. Their focus at the moment was on the victim. The following day, the rescue workers visited a physician to learn about the possibility of any future injury. Aspen city officials assured the rescue workers that they would be taken care of in the event of any future illness.

For the full story, go to the Aspen Times.

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