1500 Skokie Asbestos Site: Northbrook, Illinois

              1500 Skokie Asbestos Site
Northbrook, Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
I understand that the building was "sealed" by the state. What does that mean?
Because the recent renovation work on the third floor was improperly conducted, it created a situation
that posed an imminent danger to human health and the environment, and the Illinois EPA placed a
seal order on the building. When conditions at a site present a risk or danger to public health and the
environment, the state may place it under seal order to restrict public access. In this case, asbestos
contamination was found throughout the building.
Is there a penalty associated with violating a seal order?
Yes. A person who violates a seal order of the state by trespassing is subject to a fine of up to $1000
and up to 364 days in jail. Remember that the seal order was placed on the property to protect the
public by warning them to stay away from the site.
Why did tenants have to evacuate the building?
The asbestos contamination found in the building could present a health risk to the tenants. Asbestos
exposure has been shown, under certain circumstances, to be associated with lung disease, both cancer
and non-cancer effects.
Until the building owner has cleaned the whole building of asbestos contamination, the order will not be
lifted. No one may enter the building except licensed contractors who have written authorization from
the Director of Illinois EPA.
How long will the businesses have to stay out of the building?
We do not know at this time how long it will take to clean up the asbestos contamination. The property
owners and their contractors have developed a Comprehensive Project Design Plan under an Agreed
Interim Order with Illinois EPA and the Attorney General's Office. They began cleanup work on Monday,
March 19, 2001. We hope to be able to issue an "all clear" by mid-April.
I work in this building. Renovation of several floors has happened over the last 3 to 4 years.
Why is the asbestos removal just now an issue?
While the Illinois EPA was notified of previous renovation efforts that involved asbestos removal, the
work on the third floor is the first instance of the Agency's learning of actual violations of federal and
state rules governing asbestos removals.
What is being done to eliminate asbestos from the building?
Besides properly abating the third floor of asbestos-containing materials, the rest of the building
(including stairwells and elevator) needs to be cleaned of asbestos contamination.
Once the cleanup work is complete, will it be safe to return to the building?
Illinois EPA intends to inspect the activities at 1500 Skokie while the work proceeds to make sure that
proper precautions are taken. Once the work is complete and the site is deemed "clean", tenants may
once again inhabit the building. Clearance air monitoring will be performed in accordance with federal
standards and will insure that the building is safe to inhabit.
How do I know whether previous exposures, during past activities at this location, may have
endangered my health?
Fact Sheet - 1500 Skokie Asbestos Site, Northbrook, Illinois Page 1 of 2
http://www.develop.epa.state.il.us/community-relations/fact-sheets/1500-skokie-northbroo... 5/31/2012