Former Milton School: Fact Sheet #1

              Former Milton School
Fact Sheet #1
January 2007
Milton, Illinois
Introduction
Based on the human health threat from exposure posed by the dilapidated, asbestos-containing school
located on South Mill Street in Milton, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) will
abate the asbestos where safe to do so and remove the building using State funds. Due to the condition
of this former school, it is highly likely that asbestos fibers are being released to the environment and
coming in contact with trespassers. Health concerns for human exposure warrants corrective action at
this location.
Site History and Background
This once functional and prospering school has become not only an eyesore, but also a
threat to the community it once served. The school served as East Pike High School
and then Milton Elementary School before closing in the mid 1980s due to
consolidations in the County. Since closing, private owners have further neglected to
perform any repairs or secure the building.
The imminent threat from the former Milton School is the potential for asbestos exposure and the
physical hazards to trespassers and nearby residents. Currently collapsed floors, roofs and walls make it
impossible to secure or abate this building; therefore removal is the only option for eliminating the
threat.
The Threat of Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that contain indestructible fibers that can occur in
several forms. Because of its remarkable fire resistant properties and excellent insulating capabilities, it
has been used in thousands of common building materials.
Any level of exposure to asbestos involves some health risk, although the exact degree of risk is difficult
to estimate. The relationship between exposure level and health risk is complex. When the fibers enter
the air, individuals may be exposed and inhale the fibers. Those fibers retained by the lungs will remain
indefinitely. Exposure to high levels of airborne asbestos is associated with a debilitating lung disease
called asbestosis; a rare cancer of the chest and abdominal lining called mesothelioma; and cancers of
the lung, esophagus, stomach, colon, and other organs.
Children and young adults who are exposed to asbestos have a greater chance than older adults of
developing certain asbestos-related diseases due to a longer remaining lifespan during which disease
may develop. Children and young adults are most often those involved in the trespassing and vandalism
at the former school, and therefore are at greater risk for exposure.
Corrective Action: Using State Funds
􀁺􇩔 The Illinois EPA has confirmed the presence of various asbestos-containing
materials within the building through laboratory analysis.
􀁺􇩔 The corrective actions to be completed by State contractors, REACT
Environmental Engineers and their subcontractor Midwest Asbestos Abatement
involve:
1. abatement of asbestos-containing material, where safe;
2. wet demolition which requires wetting of the building material throughout the demolition
activity;
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Fact Sheet #1 - Former Milton School Page 1 of 2
http://www.epa.state.il.us/community-relations/fact-sheets/milton-school/milton-school1.h... 5/24/2012