The Cayman Island Government said that public concerns that asbestos was being released by the demolition and disposal of the Tower Building are unfounded.
The Lands and Survey Department, which is overseeing the project, ordered a Certified Industrial Hygienist report on the Tower Building in May 2007 to find any health concerns with the demolition of the building.
The report indicated that less than 2 per cent asbestos was found in the mastic used to glue down some of the vinyl composition tile in the concrete flooring.
Due to the encapsulation of asbestos fibers in the material the report indicated it would require no further treatment for removal and was, therefore, not a health concern.
Ms. Jennifer Ahearn, Permanent Secretary (Acting) from the Ministry of District Administration, Planning, Agriculture and Housing said demolition contractors KM Ltd are taking all precautions in removing the flooring and are following the Guidelines for Handling Asbestos Material provided by Cayman Islands Government and Department of Environmental Health.
‘KM Ltd’s method of de-construction calls for a saw to cut the concrete flooring in 6′ wide section’s 16-22′ long and lift them by crane on to the transport vehicle. By using a wet concrete saw, no dust is created, allowing the contractors to meet and exceed the criteria for asbestos handling as outlined in the CIG-DEH guidelines. We have not found or reported any other asbestos in the building.’
Ms Ahearn assures the public that all precautions are being observed for employee and public safety during the deconstruction and removal of material from the building site.
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