Dormitory Asbestos Exposure on the University of Cincinnati Campus

Only days after the announcement of asbestos exposure in a University of Cincinnati dormitory, reports have surfaced regarding yet another asbestos danger zone on campus.

As renovations begin in Rieveschl Hall, an area has been sealed off and marked with a sign that reads “Danger: Asbestos. Cancer and lung disease. Hazard.” This sign is required by law.

The University is remodeling the student labs located in Rieveschl Hal. For the time being, just the sealed-off section will be the only section renovated, but there are plans to renovate the entire floor in the future.

The renovations are required because Rieveschl was built in the 1970s, and the building must be brought up to code in order to meet newer health standards.

“They’re getting rid of all the asbestos in the building,” said Robert Cunningham, a custodian who works in Rieveschl Hall.

In addition to asbestos abatement, mold and lead-based paint will also be removed.

The student response to the asbestos signs has been mixed.

“I’m not worried about it,” said Samantha Roddy, a first-year dietetics student who has a chemistry class in Rieveschl. “I don’t think they would let us in if it was really harmful.”

But other students are more concerned.

“Yeah, it freaks me out,” said Stephanie Dawes, a second-year biology student. “But at least they’re doing remodeling to get rid of it.”

The first phase of the renovation is expected to be finished sometime next year, and the second phase will begin shortly thereafter.

University officials want students to know that the renovations are not expected to cause any health risks to the student population. Precautions must be taken to ensure that asbestos is not released into the air. Asbestos inhalation can lead to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.