Asbestos HUB

Asbestos In The American History Museum Posted: 05 Apr 2009 07:07 PM PDT Contractors working on renovation of the National Museum of American History in 2007 failed to take precautions while removing insulation, according to members of a steamfitters union local. A Smithsonian spokeswoman said they immediately corrected procedures and turned off fans. The museum was closed to the public at the time during a two-year renovation, but the full-time staff of curators and employees continued to work in the building. Last month, The Washington Post reported that officials at another Smithsonian museum, National Air and Space, knew for 17 years about asbestos in the compound covering wall joints but did not tell the workers. The American History Museum was constructed from 1958 to 1964, before government restrictions on asbestos. A survey conducted by a Smithsonian consultant in 1989 found asbestos in the building, and removal began during renovations. During the renovation from 2006 to 2008, additional asbestos was discovered by workers. Read the story at The Washington Post. Watch Tom Lamb’s commentary on Asbestos News Minute.