Four rooms in the 200 block corridor of the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center were temporarily closed and sealed Tuesday, Jan. 15, after a routine plumbing job and air sampling conducted over the holiday break indicated unacceptable levels of asbestos.


“Tuesday, shortly before noon, we received notification from Environmental Health and Safety that upon testing, air samples in Rooms 229 and 223 proved to have higher than acceptable levels of asbestos,”said Dean Bernie Schultz.


Although only two rooms appeared to be affected, as of 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Rooms 213, 215, 223, 225, 227 and 229 were closed as a safety precaution, he said. All College of Creative Arts faculty were notified of the room closings by 12:25 p.m. via e-mail.


“At this time, it has not been determined that there is a health hazard,”Schultz said.”The air monitor samples were sent for testing Tuesday evening, and results should be returned Wednesday or Thursday.”


Classes and activities in the area have been moved and the area sealed off, according to Kathy Powell of Environmental Health and Safety.


“Beginning today, as a precautionary measure, Rooms 213, 215, 223, 225, 227 and 229 will be thoroughly cleaned,”Schultz said.”This includes all surfaces and equipment. Pending results of the testing, the rooms should reopen by Tuesday, Jan. 22.”


Students should check with their instructor or College division office to find out where their class will be held.