Recently, unnerving amounts of asbestos were discovered in a public housing community in Wilmington, NC according to a report by the WECT News Channel 6 news team. It was the discovered that the complex, which was already scheduled for renovations, has not only asbestos in vacant buildings but in occupied buildings as well.

Community members are concerned about the risks this latest discovery poses on them and their children despite being assured there are no risks. However, many parents in the community claim that they believe that many of the respiratory problems of those in the area are a direct result of on going asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency and is associated with the development of mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The Wilmington Housing Association is currently in the midst of investigating all claims. In the mean time, the WHA is in the process of a $14 million renovation to all buildings in the community. All buildings over the 1% threshold have been sealed off with plastic and will be the first to have all asbestos removed. No residential buildings will be affected by the renovations despite residents’ complaints of mold and asbestos in the homes.

The asbestos removal will begin early next week and the WHA projects the project will be completed by December 2012. Michael Kraus, CEO of the WHA, insures that the removal is being done with the community’s safety in mind, as all of the necessary safety precautions are reportedly being taken.

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