Former Newman School: Fact Sheet #1

              Former Newman School
Fact Sheet #1
October 2006
Newman, Illinois
Introduction
Based on the human health threat from exposure posed by the dilapidated, asbestos-containing school
located at 708 North Broadway in Newman, 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 community school has become not only an
eyesore, but also a threat to the community it once served. The main building was
constructed in 1912. Later a gymnasium addition was constructed to the south of the
original building. The school closed in 1994 after consolidation of surrounding
communities. Since then, various private owners have further neglected to perform
any repairs or secure the building.
The imminent threat from the former Newman 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 From 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 Federal and State Funding
􀁺􇩔 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 contractor, The SI Group and
their subcontractor Steve’s Trucking, Inc. include:
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 Newman School Page 1 of 2
http://www.epa.state.il.us/community-relations/fact-sheets/newman-school/newman-schoo... 5/24/2012