As a result of an ongoing Facilities Management project to remove lead-based paint from Monroe Hall, students recently have had to maneuver around "hazardous material" caution tape and information stations to get to class.
According to Mark Webb, associate director of work management for Facilities Management, most University buildings are repainted every seven years, and this year marks Monroe Hall's turn to be repainted. Most buildings built before 1978, including Monroe Hall, were painted with lead-based paint, which the government now considers to be a hazardous material and health risk.
Because of these risks, the University has to take special precautions, including educating the public about the removal and disposal of paint chips and dust as hazardous waste materials, Webb said.
"This is a very expensive process," he said, citing the project budget at $133,408.
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Ralph Allen, director of environmental health and safety, said the lead-removal process poses a minimal threat to students. Lead is only harmful if ingested and children are at the greatest risk due to their developing bone structures, Allen said. In small children with calcium deficiencies, lead can cause a number of different mental diseases and contribute to stunted growth.
The Monroe Hall project is one of several ongoing painting projects in which the University has to deal with the hazards of lead paint.
Lead paint removal projects are also underway at the Rotunda and Fayerweather Hall. Altogether, last year Facilities Management spent over a million dollars in removal projects.
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