Asbestos found in Utrecht homes, dozens evacuated (update)

Monday 23 July 2012

High concentrations of asbestos have been found in and around an apartment block in Utrecht’s district of Kanaleneiland, the city’s deputy mayor said on Monday.

While samples taken at two locations showed negligible levels of asbestos, tests run in a third showed high levels of the dangerous fibres, deputy mayor Gilbert Isabella told a news conference on Monday.

Some 150 people were ordered to leave their homes after asbestos was found in two apartments in a block of flats on the Stanleylaan at the weekend.

Renovation work

The spray-on asbestos was discovered during renovation work on the properties, which are owned by housing corporation Mitros.

Spray-on asbsestos, used as insulation and fire-proofing, was banned in the Netherlands in 1977 and is considered one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos. The affected property was built between 1960 and 1965.

ANP reports that the asbestos was discovered on Thursday but the decision to evacuate the 48 flats was not taken until Sunday afternoon.

Hotels

A number of people were allowed to return later in the day but some were put up in a hotel for the night. Although they were allowed home to pick up essential items on Monday, dozens of families will have to remain in hotels for another five nights at least.

Locals have complained about being given no or inadequate information about the health risk and being caught by surprise when the area was sealed off.

However, the risk of such short term exposure is very limited, asbestos expert Ben Rozema told the news conference.

© DutchNews.nl