In Fort Carson, Colorado, officials have closed off a section of land believed to be contaminated by the deadly substance asbestos.

Officials found asbestos on post, at a site in Fort Carson where a housing development and elementary school are planned.

“A 39-acre parcel of land east of Gate 1, as a precautionary measure, has been fenced off with ‘Caution Do Not Enter’ signs,” says Karen Connelly, of Fort Carson Public Affairs. “Some debris containing asbestos was found in March by the posts’ Directorate of Public Works employees during a routine environmental inspection.”

It is not yet confirmed where the asbestos originated from. One likely source is the older buildings that formerly stood on the site. Several World War II-era buildings once stood in the same area, but have since been torn down. The older buildings were demolished between 1971 and 1998.

According to Ms. Connelly, the Colorado Department of Environmental Health and Environment regulations do not require removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials until construction begins.

It has not yet been reported whether the asbestos findings are expected to delay the construction process.

Asbestos is now linked to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and the rare cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Several mesothelioma treatment options are available, but no cure is known.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used frequently in construction due to a natural resistance to both fire and chemical damage. The natural properties of asbestos made it ideal for fireproofing, tiling, siding, and insulation.

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