Issue date: 7/19/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Daniel Williams The asbestos removal from the former Bank of America building at the intersection of Sixth and Monroe streets is complete.

The asbestos removal from the former bank building at the intersection of Sixth and Monroe streets is complete.The asbestos removal from the former bank building at the intersection of Sixth and Monroe streets is complete. The removal, which began on June 29, and was done primarily in the evening in order to make time for other projects, was complete on July 13 without incident, said Mike Edemiston an employee of We Do Environmental Inc. of Pana.

"We had it all contained, and we wore protective clothing inside, so I know my guys weren't affected," he said.

An inspector reportedly discovered a mandatory check done on all buildings prior to demolition.

"They have to have the building inspected prior to demolition so a licensed inspector went out and that's when it was discovered," Edemiston said.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally, has been historically used in fireproofing materials, and is considered to be highly carcinogenic.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration those who work unprotected with asbestos have an increased chance of contracting cancer of the lung tissue as well as mesothelioma, a type of cancer that infects the thin membrane that surrounds internal organs, these diseases generally develop years after exposure to asbestos.

The building was purchased by Coles County five years ago in November 2000 for $426,000 and once the $106,000 demolition is complete, the building will become a parking lot, and eventually -once the necessary funds are secured- an annex to the courthouse, said Secretary and Treasurer to the Public Building Commission Elaine Komada.

The demolition company DEM/EX of Pekin is in charge of demolishing the building, representatives from DEM/EX could not be reached for comment.

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