Oregon school district fined for asbestos violations
Jefferson County School District 509-J in Madras, Oregon faces a hefty fine for violating asbestos laws in conjunction with an asbestos removal project. Two district employees are also on the hook for violations. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) charged that the school district and its employees removed asbestos floor tiles from the school’s kitchen area last summer without following proper procedure, potentially exposing workers, staff and summer school students to toxic asbestos fibers. The Jefferson County School District will appeal the penalty on behalf of the district and both workers.
Asbestos removal is strictly regulated because of the health risks involved. If its fibers are inhaled, asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other serious illnesses.
For the full story, go to My Central Oregon.
