Asbestos Found in Dead Man's Office

June 28, 2010

Louisville, KY The clean-up effort in the office of a deceased lawmaker from Louisville, Kentucky revealed the presence of asbestos, a deadly mineral that causes mesothelioma and asbestosis.



Metro councilman George Unseld was found collapsed earlier this month in his office and was rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital, where he later passed away, according to WLKY.



During the clean-up of Unseld's office, workers discovered asbestos.



"There was some found in the office," city spokeswoman Lindsay English told the news source. "Basically, it's in the mastic which is the glue under the carpet."



The asbestos was found while the carpet was being removed from the office. As a precaution, no one is allowed in the hallway near Unseld's office, which has been sealed.



Fortunately, it appears that the asbestos doesn't pose a serious risk.



"Since it's in the glue and it won't be what's termed 'friable,' which means it can crumble and be powdery and then get particles into the air, then that's kind of an easier process to remove," said English.



The World Health Organization estimates that 90,000 people die each year from asbestos-related illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis.