When was the asbestos discovered and how?

A detailed timeline of events is available here.

How long did the potential for exposure exist?

Unfortunately, an exact date for when possible exposure originated is not ascertainable at this time. If this information becomes available, it will be shared immediately.

What standard did UM utilize to guide decisions regarding further testing and closing of McGill Hall?

As shared by Bob Brownell of Northwest Industrial Hygiene, Inc., 1,000 asbestos fibers per square centimeter is considered low and an acceptable loading for buildings known to contain the forms of asbestos present in McGill Hall. A background level is considered to be 10,000 fibers per square centimeter.

UM, with guidance from outside consultants, decided to use an action limit of 5,000 fibers per square centimeter as this is the standard the EPA used in the cleanup of Libby, Montana. It is important to note that this EPA number is a threshold used to determine when cleaning should be conducted but is not a measure for determining health risk.

How does UM manage asbestos in its buildings?

Asbestos was widely used in building products found in commercial buildings and private residences—including, but not limited to, roofing materials, sheetrock, flooring, popcorn or acoustic ceilings and transite siding. As the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers only exists when asbestos is disrupted, UM follows a guideline of managing in place and using visual inspections to determine possible areas of risk. UM conducts routine testing in areas that show signs of possible asbestos degradation and deterioration that could lead to fibers becoming airborne.

My office is in McGill Hall and I need to access items in my office. What should I do?

The Office of the Provost has asked faculty members to create a prioritized list of items that they need and share this list with your dean. Staff members should follow the same protocol. Faculty and staff should keep their McGill Hall keys. To obtain a key for your new working space, employees should report to the UM Police Department in the Physical Plant with their Griz Card to complete a key card. They will not be charged to fee for keys to their new offices.

Where should I work until McGill Hall is reopened?

The Office of the Registrar is working to find suitable work spaces for all displaced staff, faculty and graduate students. If someone has not yet been accommodated, callOffice of the Registrar at 406-243-5600. New office locations will be available through the end of the semester.

Our program/department has equipment in McGill Hall. When will these items be available?

For items in buildings, UM officials are consulting with a firm in Spokane and local cleaning expert to determine immediate protocols to clean items in offices and a process to return these items to individuals. Hard-surfaces are easier to clean and often have lower levels of asbestos adherence so these items will be easier to clean and access.

My class was in McGill Hall. Where is it now?

New classrooms have been found for almost all classes. New classroom locations will be posted on the McGill Hall doors as well. If faculty determine the new location doesn’t work due to equipment needs, they should call the Registrar’s Office at 406-243-5600.

When was McGill Hall last tested for asbestos?

UM officials are reviewing documents related to past work in the building to determine a timeline for when potential exposure might have started. Once this timeline is available it will be shared on this website.

What is the plan for McGill Hall?

UM is working with outside consultants to complete additional testing of McGill Hall. Once testing is completed, UM will confirm the source (or sources) of the asbestos fibers in the building and UM will create a plan to repair or replace these structures. Once fixed, UM will then do full-scale clean-up and aggressive air testing before the building will reopen.

With whom is UM working to guide the best response to this situation?

In addition to the expertise of representatives from Northwest Industrial Hygiene, Inc. and Gem Environmental, Inc., university personnel are working closely with the Missoula County Health Department while also seeking guidance from the EPA, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

What is the best source for information about asbestos and its related health concerns?

These topics are widely researched so there is a lot of information available on the internet. The following two websites are credible sources with accurate information:

Cancer.gov Asbestos Fact Sheet

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Asbestos Information

How do faculty/staff and students seek support for potential asbestos-related health issues?

UM employees, including student employees, who experience asbestos-related health issues at any point in the future can access help via the MUS Workers' Compensation Program. The reporting period requirement for this program is one year following diagnosis. UM employees can file a claim now through the above link to receive coverage for a pulmonary function test. This test can serve as a baseline to which future tests can be compared.

How can we be sure UM will support health claims happening decades in the future?

UM is taking this question very seriously and is working on a plan to ensure support will be available at any point in the future. More information on the specifics on this plan will be shared as they become available.

What should people do with items (including clothing, etc.) that were potentially exposed to asbestos fibers in McGill Hall?

The EPA recommends “wet cleaning” or the use of wet-wipes, rags or mops to pick up asbestos fibers. Once the wet-wipes, rags or mops are used, they should be properly disposed of while still wet. The National Cancer Institute recommends washing exposed clothes in a load separate from other clothes.

When in doubt if an item is able to be cleaned to a point where no asbestos will be present, dispose of the item and buy a replacement. 

Should people who were regularly in McGill Hall be concerned about asbestos exposure throughout their homes?

The probability of enough asbestos fibers being brought home to move above the 10,000 fibers per square centimeter “background level” standard is minimal. If concerns exist, follow the above guidelines on cleaning.

I moved out of McGill Hall to another location on campus. Do I need to test items that were previously in McGill Hall?

There is the potential that asbestos fibers exist on items that were in McGill Hall. Contact UM Facilities Services for information on getting a wipe test on these items.

For items that are able to be cleaned, the recommendation is to clean the item and then test it. For smooth surfaces, warm, soapy water with multiple wipes is the best practice. UM consultants spoke to EPA representatives about fabrics and clothing and the EPA recommended laundering these items. The EPA representatives noted that if the individual does not want the risk that not all fibers will be eliminated then they should throw away the item and replace it.

Can you test every office in McGill Hall?

UM plans to expand airborne and surface testing to determine asbestos presence in entirety of building.

What is risk to people who have been sent items from McGill Hall?

UM officials will provide guidelines and more specific information in these cases. Contact Paula Short at paula.short@mso.umt.edu or 406-243-5806 for more information.

Will the situation with McGill Hall lead to testing in other campus buildings?

UM will continue to adhere to its Campuswide Asbestos Management Plan. UM will also continue to consult with outside experts to develop an appropriate plan to move forward. Once this is determined, this information will be shared on this website.

Is it safe to ingest asbestos?

There is little evidence that asbestos leads to health concerns if ingested.

Is there a plan in place to reach out to faculty/staff/students who were in McGill Hall in the past?

UM is developing a timeline of past building maintenance to best determine the length of possible exposure. Once completed, that information will be shared on this website.

What is the plan for students who were employed in McGill Hall?

Once equipment is cleaned, it will be moved to new location where it will be accessible. We do not have exact timeline for when items will become available at this time. UM is investigating a remedy for student employees who will lose income due to McGill Hall’s closure. 

Is it possible to do additional testing in Clapp Building?

Remediation in the Clapp Building was completed for top two floors. UM officials are investigating conducting additional testing in Clapp Building.

Are the results of the testing in the McGill 212 suite available?

Yes, and the test results for McGill 212 are available here.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

There are numerous people at UM working on this issue. To be connected with the appropriate party for your specific question, contact Paula Short at paula.short@mso.umt.edu or 406-243-5806.