Iqaluit school repairs may stir up asbestos

Officials at Nakasuk School in Iqaluit say they're taking all precautions to make sure children aren't exposed to asbestos during renovations. Asbestos is a mineral that's been linked to respiratory diseases and lung cancer. It was often used in building insulation until the mid-1970s because of its fire resistance.

Asbestos is in the original construction materials at Nakasuk and the renovation work could stir up asbestos-tainted dust. Beginning on Nov. 1, contractors will be in the school every night fixing fire breaks in the walls.

"They'll set up a complete containment field in each classroom, scrub the classroom down, clean it down, and then they do a clearance test," said Barry Cornthwaite, manager of capital planning for the Department of Education.

"So if the school says it's clear in the morning, then the school opens up to the public, to the teachers and staff and kids. If it doesn't clear, then the school stays closed until it does pass a clearance test."

Contractors will also insert a sticky spray inside the ceiling, to contain the asbestos and install access doors so future repairs are less onerous.

School officials say care will be taken to make sure asbestos-tainted dust doesn't spread throughout the school.