Asbestos removal remains a daunting problem for many of those who want to fix up aging buildings on the Mother Road.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has stepped in and decided to help Route 66 communities deal with the problem, reports the Arizona Capital Times.
Many older buildings and structures along the Route 66 corridor were built during an era in which asbestos was used as a fireproofing insulating material. When these buildings and structures are renovated or demolished, the asbestos can become crumbled and friable. If the asbestos is not dealt with properly, people can breathe the asbestos fibers, where they can be lodged in the lungs and result in lung cancer or other serious respiratory problems. […]
As part of the asbestos initiative, ADEQ has designated an outreach specialist in its air-quality division to provide technical assistance, outreach and asbestos education to rural communities. ADEQ also is adding an additional asbestos inspector and is ensuring that its community liaisons and staff in its regional offices are trained to help communities address asbestos-related issues.
The Route 66 Asbestos Initiative is based on an earlier Route 66 program that addressed hazardous waste.
It’s my recollection that asbestos is one of the problems plaguing the Harvey House in Seligman. The railway that owns the building no longer has an excuse to not solve the problem property.