Asbestos Found at Halifax Senior Home

Julyy 6, 2006 - Residents at a Halifax, Nova Scotia senior citizens home were surprised to find out that, for many, the building they’ve been living in for years is tainted with asbestos.  The seniors, all living at Joseph Howe Manor, learned last weekend that there are minute amounts of asbestos in the stucco and in the sheet rock tape used on the walls at the home.

This week, an environmental expert is scheduled to meet with residents and staff and discuss any concerns as well as what procedures would be taken to remedy the situation.  Most of the residents of the complex’s 172 apartments say they’re not worried about the asbestos, as long as it remains undisturbed.  A few seniors noted some minor breathing problems, including the worsening of asthmatic conditions.

According to an article in the Halifax Chronicle Herald, residents were shocked and surprised but most have taken the situation in stride.  Some would like to see air quality testing but many are concerned about the prospect of having to move out of their apartments while the asbestos is removed.

Local politician Leonard Preyra believes the housing authority should be more concerned about the seniors.  "They’ve been waking up with a powdery dust on the floor and on the bedcovers . . . the housing authority has told them that it’s just the stucco ceiling," he told the Chronicle Herald.

Some people he has spoken with have indicated there has been a high incidence of lung infections and breathing problems among residents, he said.

Meanwhile, Linda Laffin, Community Services spokeswoman, says the provincial government is taken all the correct steps to insure the safety of the senior citizens.

"The bottom line for Joseph Howe Manor: this is not a problem for the residents," she said.