The Covington Homes public housing complex in Texarkana, Texas will soon be rid of asbestos-containing materials. Crews have already begun to remove the materials in preparation for demolition.

A total of 120 units make up the Covington Homes complex, all of which date back to the forties. At that time, the use of asbestos products, such as insulation and floor tiles, was not regulated, as the health consequences of exposure were not yet realized.

Today, those who work around asbestos are required to follow a number of safety precautions, as exposure to asbestos is a known cause of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because these diseases generally have a significantly long latency period, they are very difficult to treat.

The asbestos abatement will be complete within the next couple of weeks, and demolition is scheduled to begin later this month. The Housing Authority of Texarkana is hoping to complete the project, including the construction of new housing, by June 2010.

Approximately $3.1 million for the project is being provided by a Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere VI grant.

Source:

Texarkana Gazette

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