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 the ASUM Child Care area in 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.

When was the ASUM Child Care center in McGill Hall last tested for asbestos?

Asbestos testing was completed two years ago following the installation of new carpet. The details of the types of testing conducted at that time and the results will be shared shortly. Clearance testing was completed throughout the McGill Hall ASUM Child Care area in 2011.

How much asbestos was found in the ASUM Child Care area in McGill Hall?

Immediately upon suspecting the possibility of asbestos in this area, UM brought in experts to conduct testing. The comprehensive report, including the loading of asbestos found on surface areas in the ASUM Child Care area, is available here.

When can better estimates on possible airborne asbestos fiber exposure quantity and duration be expected?

UM is currently consulting with the EPA on activity-based sampling techniques to determine the best testing protocol for the ASUM Child Care area. We will deploy the technique that best mimics the activity level for these areas when children would have been present in future air testing. Once available, this report will be shared on this website.

What steps is UM taking to ensure that the children are safe from asbestos exposure in the new locations?

Surface and air testing at the new ASUM Childcare locations was started Feb. 1. As soon as these results are available, they will be posted on this website.

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

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., UM is 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 should parents do with items (including clothing, car seats, etc.) that were potentially exposed to asbestos fibers in the ASUM Child Care facility 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 parents 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.

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 is the likelihood that my child will have permanent health impacts from the potential exposure to asbestos fibers?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict what, if any, health impacts your child might have. During your child’s next visit with their doctor, we recommend you share that they were potentially exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Illnesses and health impacts that result from airborne asbestos exposure vary by individual and are impacted by the duration and volume of exposure and other health factors.

What is the plan for the ASUM Child Care location that was in McGill Hall?

UM is committed is to providing a safe location for ASUM Child Care services. The McGill Hall classrooms have been relocated to the Education Center and will remain there for the foreseeable future. The McGill Hall child care facilities remain closed at this time.

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 repairs are completed, UM will do full-scale clean-up and aggressive air testing before the building will reopen.

Has research been done on lung development after exposure to asbestos at a young age?

Unfortunately, concrete information isn’t available for children. We are working to locate any available research. As reliable research and data are found, this information will be shared on this webpage.

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.

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.