Contractors working at Penn-Trafford High School this month discovered a small amount of asbestos, but officials said there are no health hazards to school staff or students.

As part of the schoolwide remodeling, workers found asbestos in two fume hoods and some tabletops in the science area and in some tabletops in the art rooms, Assistant Superintendent Scott Inglese said.

An abatement company, Professional Service Industries of Pittsburgh, easily removed and disposed of the asbestos in the science area, Inglese said. The tables in the art room will be removed during the summer.

Because it was “non-friable” — meaning it can't be pulverized under hand pressure — the asbestos didn't pose an immediate health hazard, Inglese said.

Generally, exposure to asbestos that increases the risk of developing lung disease occurs only when the material is damaged in a way to release particles into the air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Inglese said the removal cost will come out a contingency fund.

“We haven't received the bill yet, but we believe it will be under $10,000 for the testing and abatement,” he said in an email.

P-T officials reported the asbestos to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which maintains a form identifying the abatement company and describing what was found.

“When it comes to asbestos, school districts are very aware of the drill, particularly in older buildings,” DEP spokesman John Poister said.

Staff members also received a letter informing them there were no dangers, Superintendent Matt Harris said.

“It didn't slow down the work,” he said.

Chris Foreman is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-871-2363 or cforeman@tribweb.com.

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