KALISPELL – According to the Montana DEQ, asbestos is the most highly-regulated substance in Montana, and Kalispell public schools have a plan to attack this issue.
Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Mark Flatau says every three years the district examines possible asbestos materials in Kalispell schools.
Asbestos can be found in everyday items, like insulation, fire protection and decorations.
The substance, which is a known carcinogen, can cause lung cancer and other illnesses after long periods of exposure.
Flatau tells us that several district school construction projects, thankfully, identified and removed existing asbestos.
“If you’re renovating an area that may contain asbestos, you have to do asbestos testing and then if it demonstrates that asbestos is present you must remove it completely from from that area you were renovating,” he said.
Flatau says if asbestos is found and not able to be removed, professionals can contain it so that it does not harm people in the surrounding area.
