Asbestos Abatement Complete at Michigan School

Now that asbestos abatement is complete, school officials in Lansing, Michigan are anxious to begin demolition of the former Pattengill School. The old Pattengill school demolition project is set to begin on Friday, June 12th. The Pattengill School adjoins Eastern High School. The school district has relocated the administrative and staff offices of Eastern High School to the site of the new Pattengill Middle School until the end of August.

The old Pattengill School was built in 1921, and was shut down three years ago after the new Pattengill Middle School was completed. The old school was originally slated for demolition in 2007. However, asbestos was found in the school, which delayed the demolition. Asbestos, once commonly used in schools across the country in materials like floor tiles and insulation, is now known to be a toxic substance. It was used in construction because the substance has a natural resistance to flame and chemical damage.

Asbestos causes lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other medical conditions. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, is incredibly aggressive. Most patients who are diagnosed with the disease are told that they only have months to live.

Asbestos abatement took place at the school during 2008. All told, the total cost of asbestos abatement, demolition, and restoration is just over $2 million. Demolition is slated to begin at 7:30 a.m. Friday. The school should be completely demolished by the middle of July. The section of Eastern High School that adjoins the demolished building will be restored before school starts up.