Mesothelioma-causing asbestos postpones opening of Virginia time capsule
January 7 was supposed to be the day that a time capsule was unveiled from the former Roanoke City Health Department office; it had been placed there by city and health officials back in 1952. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the opening of the time capsule has been postponed indefinitely because the floor tiles surrounding the capsule may contain asbestos. Fifty years ago, asbestos was in common use. Today, asbestos is recognized as a deadly carcinogen that can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of the heart, lungs or abdomen.
The unveiling of the time capsule will be rescheduled once the situation has been evaluated more thoroughly and measures have been taken for a safe resolution.
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