A West Virginia University official says test results at the WVU Coliseum confirm the presence of asbestos in materials that were exposed during recent construction activities.
WVU Environmental Health and Safety John Principe said the material discovered April 29 was in an area above ceilings in restroom entrances that surround the concourse. He says the asbestos did not pose a health hazard and was only exposed by renovation work. He says the Coliseum was closed immediately after the asbestos was found.
WVU said the building, which includes offices, classrooms and the basketball arena, would remain closed Monday as the collection of air samples continued. WVU said in a news release that a third party testing firm found air samples taken from the seating area and event level met regulatory standards for occupancy. Other air samples collected throughout the rest of the Coliseum were expected to be available Monday.
The 46-year-old Coliseum is undergoing a $15 million renovation. The building was closed in 1999 to 2000 while asbestos abatement was performed in exposed areas, including the 14,000-seat arena.
The National Cancer Institute’s website says asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen.
The release said university officials must determine whether changes will be necessary for commencement exercises planned at the Coliseum in two weeks.
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