Ignore the asbestos warning

By Mike McDonald
Collegian Editor
March 28, 2007

Don’t be alarmed by the white sheets and the asbestos warning signs that are currently hanging at the side entrance to the Tom Gola Arena.

Over the past few days, there have been sheets preventing people from entering the side hallway on the first floor of the building. This has created a fair amount of concern and confusion among the La Salle student body.

Asbestos is a mineral that can cause damage to the lungs after exposure, and has been proven to be a carcinogen.

School officials insist that there is nothing to worry about. The limited access to the building is merely a safety precaution taken to prevent possible injury or harm during some minor construction. Although there is asbestos in the building’s tiles, it isn’t airborne and can’t be breathed in.

“We’re renovating the Hall of Athletes and all of the floor tiles,” Director of Athletic Communication Kale Beers said. “Every year we have a list of projects to do, and this year the floor in the Hall of Athletes was on the list.”

The Hall of Athletes is filled with plaques and other decorations that celebrate the careers of former Explorers. The new floor and other renovations are designed to update the appearance of the area.

The work being done in the hallway could potentially be harmful to passersby—with dangerous equipment around and chemicals in the air—so the decision was made to close off the entire section to prevent people from entering.

“It’s not a dramatic emergency, like we discovered something,” Beers said. “It’s just the precaution we have to take when doing this kind of work.”

The mention of asbestos had created speculation around campus that there was some sort of serious problem.

“I was a little confused when I saw it,” sophomore Joe Quintiliani said. “I didn’t think it could be any real big deal, but knowing the reason for it makes me feel better.”

His sentiments mirrored those of a number of other students, who echoed similar responses to the situation.

Senior Chris Lewis was initially surprised by the asbestos warning signs when he noticed them while on his way to the SGA Basketball Marathon. Lewis could not help finding some irony in these circumstances.

“I’m going up to play in the cancer marathon, and here are these signs about cancer-causing asbestos,” Lewis said. “It wasn’t the best thing to see when you’re about to go play basketball for cancer research.”

But after learning the real reason for the warnings, students are much more understanding of the process.

“It’s good to err on the side of caution,” sophomore Charlie Wohlrab said. “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to keep people from going in the construction zone.”

The construction is expected to be completed sometime this week, possibly as soon March 28. After that, it will be back to business as usual at the Tom Gola Arena.

mcdonaldm2@lasalle.edu