Former Venice School: Fact Sheet #1

              Former Venice School
Fact Sheet #1
October 2007
Venice, Illinois
Introduction
Based on the human health threat from exposure posed by the dilapidated, asbestos-containing school
located at 700 Broadway in Venice, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) will abate
the asbestos where safe to do so, and recycle the remaining building material 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 or nearby residents. Health concerns for human
exposure warrants corrective action at this location.
Site History and Background
The site consists of the original Venice High School built in 1910, the Venice
Elementary School built in 1920 and several later additions built in the 1950s. These
once functional schools have become not only an eyesore, but also a threat to the
community it once served. The school was built of predominantly brick, concrete and
wood material.
The imminent threat from the former Venice School is the potential for asbestos and lead exposure to
trespassers and nearby residents. Currently there are structural concerns with the exterior walls shifting
outward and piers buckling. In several locations the face brick is separating from the masonry back-up
and has fallen off.
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 lead and asbestos-containing
materials within the building through laboratory analysis.
􀁺􇩔 The corrective actions to be completed by State contractor, REACT
Environmental Engineers and asbestos abatement contractor, Great Western
Abatement, include:
􀁺􇩁 Abatement of all asbestos and hazardous containing material;
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Fact Sheet #1 - Former Venice School Page 1 of 2
http://www.epa.state.il.us/community-relations/fact-sheets/venice-school/venice-school-1.... 5/24/2012