Dust from construction site causes an asbestos scare

Sausalito, CA - Police officers and firefighters were called to a construction site on Sunday after concerned residents complained of possible illegal asbestos release.

City officials temporarily stopped work on the construction project at the former South Pacific Division Laboratory after nearby residents alerted them that dust potentially containing asbestos was blown from the site into surrounding neighborhoods and onto Bay Area boats.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affair had been working on a renovation of the facility to transform it into a research center. During the process, crews wore protective equipment to remove asbestos siding from the 37,500 square foot building. While the removal was happening, wind blew dust from the site into residential and public areas, raising concern among residents.

Police officers said the dust even covered their vehicles when they arrived at the scene.

The city had the site inspected and found that the work being performed complied with safety regulations, and the asbestos siding had not been cut, opened, or crushed so there was no risk of asbestos exposure from the dust. The inspector said there was not way to determine what particles were in the dust that was blown. Even if it was harmless, air quality officials will continue to monitor the site.

The building project, which is expected to resume Tuesday, is not scheduled to be completed for another two years. The new research center is said to be for the study of many medical conditions, including liver disease, HIV, and post-traumatic stress.

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