Chicago¡¯s Landmark Pittsfield Building Closed after Asbestos ThreatINDEX...HOME Good Sites August 17, 2007 The Illinois Department of Public Health ordered an immediate halt to renovation working going on at the Pittsfield Building, 55 E. Washington, a Chicago landmark due to improper asbestos removal. Nine floors i.e. from 13 to 21 floors of the 38 storied building were closed a week ago while the rest continue to be occupied by the residents. Along with the building, the elevator entrances and the ductwork of the Art Deco-Gothic building has also been sealed to prevent any possible health risks to people. It all began on 30th July when someone contacted the City Department of Environment with the probability of asbestos exposure in the building. As a result, the City Department alerted the Illinois Department of Public Health and inspectors were sent to the site to investigate the matter. They stopped the revocation work for the day and since then, they have been making enquiries into the matter. All the people from the affected floors were evacuated and they haven¡¯t been allowed to return. The residents are very concerned about the situation as asbestos inhalation can lead to serious diseases like mesothelioma cancer and asbestos. The air will be checked for asbestos particles but it cannot be done until the cleanup process is complete. However, the health inspector recognized some asbestos material that might have been released when the asbestos used in the building was disturbed. The spokesperson for State Health Department, Melaney Arnold says that buildings like Pittsfield, built in 1927 could have used asbestos insulation pipes and ceiling tiles. Although, the owners of the building have been identified, yet, they are not available for comment. According to the spokesperson, the State Department and the building owners are working together on a cleanup plan to reopen the floors as soon as possible. Any asbestos exposure can lead to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos related lung problems that can prove fatal. Thus, it is important that strict action is taken to prevent public exposure to asbestos. |