New Jersey Library Shuts Down for Asbestos Removal: A Vital Safety Measure
Addressing Legacy Asbestos Risks in Older Libraries, Schools and Public Buildings
In late January 2025, New Jersey residents learned that a local public library had been forced to shut down due to the urgent need for asbestos removal. This news draws attention to an ongoing issue that continues to affect many public buildings—the presence of asbestos in older structures, particularly in educational and community spaces like schools and libraries.
Asbestos, once sought after for its durability and fire-resistant properties, has a dark legacy. Used for most of the 20th century, especially in industries like textiles, automotive parts, shipbuilding, and construction, the mineral is now known for be a deadly carcinogen that has been linked to numerous chronic diseases, including asbestosis, lung and ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma, to name a few.
Greatly restricted in the U.S. since the 1980s, and once thought to be solely an occupational hazard, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure in and outside of the workplace have been well-documented. Symptoms of asbestos-induced diseases generally appear decades after initial contact and can emerge in workers who handled it in the workplace as well as their spouses and children. These diseases have also been linked to domestic-only exposure, particularly in those who’ve used contaminated talc products over the years.
Despite measures to limit its use, unfortunately, asbestos still lurks in the walls and underneath the floorboards of many older structures where it can lie dormant until wear and tear stir up its toxic fibers. It can also still show up in vintage goods and in products imported from countries with little to no restrictions.
As buildings containing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) age, microscopic fibers can be introduced into the air. Once inhaled or ingested, these fibers latch themselves permanently onto internal tissues where they cause inflammation that can eventually lead to life-threatening diagnoses.
In this article, we’ll explore the New Jersey library’s closure in the context of legacy asbestos use and the importance of proper asbestos abatement. We’ll take a close look at the risks posed by asbestos in public buildings and discuss protocols that need to be taken to ensure removal and disposal doesn’t lead to further exposure as well as financial and legal consequences. Adequately testing for asbestos and clearing spaces like the library from ACMs is critical to maintaining public health and safety.
The New Jersey Library Closure: Background and Context
On January 26, 2025, media outlets broadcasted that a public library in New Jersey had been temporarily shut down to allow for the safe removal of asbestos. This action followed the discovery of asbestos-containing materials during a routine inspection. The library, which had been serving the community for decades, was built in the early 1970s, a period when asbestos was widely used in construction due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. However, over the years, it became clear that asbestos posed severe health risks when disturbed, and as the building aged, the public was placed at risk.
Local authorities immediately closed the library and called for asbestos abatement in order to protect its employees and patrons from potential exposure. Asbestos removal involves testing for ACMs and following specialized procedures monitored by government entities to safely remove or seal toxic fibers so they can’t make their way into the air.
The decision to close the library, though potentially inconvenient for staff and residents, was an important part of the process. This allowed for professional abatement contractors to assess the area thoroughly, ensuring all ACMs were removed. Vacating the premises is always the best way to limit the possibility of further exposure during cleanup.
The Legacy of Asbestos in Older Buildings
Because of its prized properties, for decades, asbestos was incorporated into everything from ceiling tiles and insulation to flooring and wall coatings. It was also used in roof shingles and adhesives and could be found in numerous household goods. At one time, it was not uncommon for kitchenware, dental products, cosmetics and personal hygiene items, fire blankets, and even children’s toys to contain the mineral.
Unfortunately, exposure risks became evident long before asbestos use was restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the ‘80s. Yet, industry execs fought hard to downplay its connection to respiratory illnesses and cancers among their workforces, favoring profits over public safety. Eventually, many of these companies were found liable in court and were forced to go through bankruptcy proceedings. Amid these proceedings, they were made to establish trust funds to account for future litigation from individuals who fell ill as a result of their greed.
However, asbestos had left an imprint on society that would not easily be forgotten. It is still very much present today and can easily be disturbed during renovations or demolition. Its fibers are microscopic and odorless, making it easy for them to go unnoticed if proper precautions aren’t taken to test areas before moving forward with these projects.
Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fine, needle-like fibers. These fibers are incredibly durable and resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, which made them ideal for use in building materials. However, when asbestos is disturbed or damaged, the fibers can break free and become airborne. These microscopic fibers can then be inhaled into the lungs, where they can remain for years, potentially leading to serious health problems.
One of the primary dangers of asbestos exposure is that the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often do not appear until decades after exposure. Diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma develop slowly, with initial symptoms often mistaken for other conditions. This long latency period makes it difficult to diagnose and treat asbestos-related diseases in a timely manner, leading to late diagnoses and limited treatment options.
The small size of asbestos fibers is another factor that contributes to their danger. When released into the air, these fibers can easily be inhaled without the victim even being aware of the exposure. In fact, it is often the slow accumulation of asbestos fibers over time that leads to the most severe health consequences. And because the fibers do not break down naturally, they can remain in areas for a long time to come, becoming airborne time and again.
Asbestos in Public Buildings: Schools, Libraries, and Other Facilities
Public buildings like schools and libraries are particularly susceptible to asbestos contamination. Many schools, libraries, and community centers were constructed before the mid-1980s, when asbestos was still commonly used in construction materials.
Children commonly gather in these buildings and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of exposure. Introducing fibers into a child’s still developing lungs could lead to complications like asthma, a chronic cough, and persistent chest pain. Once inside, these fibers also have a longer time to generate enough inflammation to lead to cell damage and, eventually, serious diseases and malignancies. This is why it’s so important for buildings like the library to close their doors as soon as the presence of ACMs is expected.
The Process of Asbestos Abatement: A Cautionary Tale
Asbestos abatement is a highly specialized field that requires strict adherence to safety regulations and proper training. The process of safely removing or sealing asbestos-containing materials involves several key steps:
Inspection and Assessment: Before any asbestos removal can take place, a thorough inspection of the building must be conducted to identify areas containing asbestos. This assessment includes taking samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos and analyzing them in a lab.
Containment: Once asbestos-containing materials are identified, the area must be sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. This involves creating a containment zone with plastic sheeting, air filtration systems, and ventilation controls.
Removal or Encapsulation: Depending on the condition of the materials, the asbestos may be either removed entirely or sealed in place (encapsulation). Removal is the preferred option in most cases, as it eliminates the risk of future exposure.
Disposal: Asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with local and federal regulations. This includes transporting the waste to certified disposal facilities equipped to handle hazardous materials.
Post-Abatement Testing: After the asbestos is removed, the area is thoroughly tested to ensure that no harmful fibers remain in the air. Only after these tests confirm the area is safe can the building be reopened to the public.
While this process may seem straightforward, it is essential that only licensed professionals handle asbestos abatement. Improper removal or handling can lead to dangerous contamination, not only in the building being worked on but also in surrounding areas. A failure to comply with safety protocols can have devastating health consequences, as illustrated in a cautionary tale involving the city of Albuquerque.
In 2023, the city of Albuquerque faced significant legal and financial consequences after a negligent asbestos removal project at a local building resulted in widespread contamination. The mishandling of asbestos materials put workers and the surrounding community at risk, leading to costly lawsuits and damage to the city’s reputation. This example serves as a stark reminder of the importance of hiring licensed professionals for asbestos removal and abatement.
Moving Forward: A Call for Vigilance and Professional Intervention
As demonstrated by the New Jersey library closure, the presence of asbestos in public buildings remains a serious concern. These older structures, many of which serve as educational or community hubs, may harbor hidden asbestos-containing materials that pose a risk to public health. In particular, schools and libraries, where children and vulnerable individuals are present, require extra attention to ensure their safety.
Asbestos abatement is not a task that should be taken lightly. It should only be carried out by licensed professionals who are trained in proper removal procedures. Adhering to strict safety standards is key to preventing further exposure.
Because officials took steps to close the library in order for a thorough assessment to be made, the good news is that it will reopen free from ACMs, allowing the public to enjoy all it has to offer for a long time to come.