BUTTE – As a public safety precaution, Butte-Silver Bow contracted Tony Olson of Safety and Health Services to undertake air quality testing for Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department and Public Works personnel working at the site at 750 S. Wyoming Street. In addition, ambient air within the site was tested for asbestos or other fiber containing materials. Mr. Olson began taking samples on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. He has continued sampling air quality to date and will continue sampling until the building’s demolition is complete. He is using a NIOSH ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved sampling method known as “PCM” (Phase Contrast Microscopy).
Mr. Olson received his first test results on Monday, April 6, 2015. The standard for airborne asbestos according to NIOSH is: .1 fibers per cubic centimeter. Mr. Olson’s results as received on Monday, April 6, 2015 are as follows:
? Personnel Air Monitoring Results: Ranged from .011 to .033 fibers per cubic centimeter
? Ambient Air Monitoring Result: .006 fibers per cubic centimeters
Butte-Silver Bow and Safety and Health Services are encouraged to report that both results represent levels well below NIOSH standards. Additional results will be reported as they are received from Safety and Health Services.
For additional information please contact Assistant Health Director, Dan Powers at (406) 497-5025 or dpowers@bsb.mt.gov.