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Asbestos discovery closes Worcester Head Start facility

  • Posted by Worcester News 2 hours ago - Filed in News - #Worcester  #education  #Worcester Public Schools  #public health  #Millbury Street Head Start  #Head Start  #asbestos  #school closure  #Brian Allen  - 280 views


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    WORCESTER — Millbury Street Head Start will be closed today - Monday, October 26th - after testing detected traces of asbestos fibers in the building's basement, Worcester Public Schools announced Sunday.

    The district said insulation containing asbestos was disturbed during maintenance work last week, prompting the closure of the facility's basement gym Tuesday. The maintenance work did not take place while students were present.

    The affected area was immediately secured, and testing and required state reporting began, according to the district.

    School officials learned Saturday that initial surface testing had detected trace amounts of asbestos fibers in the basement gym, hallway and staff-only rooms. The district subsequently closed the entire building to allow for additional testing, extensive cleaning and remediation.

    "Student and staff safety is the primary reason for the temporary closure," Superintendent Brian E. Allen said in a message to families Sunday.

    The district said it will determine Monday whether the facility will remain closed Tuesday or whether students will be temporarily relocated to 1 of 2 other Head Start locations.

    The possible alternate locations are Greendale Head Start, 130 Leeds St., and Mill Swan Head Start, 337 Mill St.

    Asbestos was widely used in older buildings and generally does not pose a health risk when the material remains intact and sealed. However, disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release fibers into the air, potentially creating health hazards.

    District officials emphasized that asbestos-related illnesses are generally associated with repeated, long-term exposure rather than a single, minimal exposure.

    Families are encouraged to ensure their ParentSquare notifications are enabled to receive updates about the closure and possible relocation. Instructions are available on the district's ParentSquare notification settings page.

    Parents with additional questions can contact Brittany Helgerson, the district's environmental health and safety coordinator, at helgersonb@worcesterschools.net.

    The district has not announced when the Millbury Street facility will reopen.

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