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IIT Alert Updates

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The Rettaliata Engineering Center was closed on Friday, August 22, after environmental testing detected the presence of asbestos particles in an area beneath the roofing construction that was taking place. ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ is committed to keeping our community informed whenever incidents occur on campus.

Below, you will find a list of FAQs regarding the closure. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to safety@illinoistech.edu.

Health and Safety

  • Brief, light exposure to asbestos typically does not cause illness, and short-term exposure is unlikely to have long-term health effects.
  • Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.
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  • The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don't show up until 10–50 years after initial exposure. Long-term exposure usually refers to months or years of exposure.
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  • The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. These symptoms occur after prolonged exposure or extreme exposure, such as after the falling of the Twin Towers.
  • If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is recommend that you consult your medical provider and inquire about proper testing.
    • Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness
    • A persistent cough that gets worse over time
    • Blood in the sputum(fluid) coughed up from the lungs
    • Pain or tightening in the chest
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Swelling of the neck or face
    • Loss of appetite
    • Weight loss
    • Fatigue or anemia
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  • Health conditions that increase the risk of asbestos-related disease, include a history of lung disease or breathing conditions, and certain genetic mutations or predispositions.       
  • Smoking is the most significant health-related risk factor.
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  • The Department of Environmental Health and Safety has consulted two independent Certified Industrial Hygienists (meaning they are independent of ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ and each other) on this topic. Those professionals indicate that, based upon the level and duration of possible exposure, clothing can be washed at home. The university is seeking additional guidance on this topic. 

Testing and Medical Guidance

  • For testing paid for by ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳, consult the below offices.
    • Students:  Information is being finalized and will be shared once available.
    • Faculty and staff: HR will help you set up testing.
  • Testing should be completed within the next three months. 
  • You will want to keep your results as a baseline medical record. 
  • If using the approved ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ occupational health clinic, ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ will pay for the testing.
  • If you choose to go to your own health care provider, you will be responsible for the cost.

Campus and Environmental Safety

  • For this incident, asbestos-containing material was discovered when people noticed dust inside the building as a result of work on the roof.  The dust was created from vibrations of the building, which were caused by equipment and work on the roof. The vibrations affected the sprayed-on insulation that is located below the decking of the roof and on the I-beams supporting the roof panels, an area only accessible by Facilities personnel.  When Facilities received the report, air samples were taken to test for asbestos.  One test sample was above the limit determined by OSHA and the EPA. 
  • The primary area of concern was the south end of the second floor of Rettaliata Engineering Center, which was below the roof construction work. However, the university has opted to notify those who may have been in any part of the building and to give them the benefit of the information and resources available. The timeframe of active roof construction work was Tuesday, August 19 through Friday, August 22.
  • The university hires an independent contractor that is certified in asbestos testing. 
  • The Department of Environmental Health and Safety regulates asbestos Safety.
  • For information on the ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Asbestos Safety Policy, please visit .
     

Practical Concerns

  • ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ has taken necessary steps to ensure the safety of all those on campus. Since the completion of testing, abetment services have been performed by  an independent industrial hygienists firm contracted by ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳. This process included wet wiping, HEPA vacuuming, and additional asbestos testing on all three floors of the building before and after the ventilation was turned back on. The building now has zero counts of asbestos, per testing results.
  • The university has also consulted with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and under their advisement, are conducting additional safety assessments. It is anticipated that the building will remain closed until such assessments are completed.    
     
  • If additional asbestos is found elsewhere, affected members of our community will be notified in person, via email, or via IIT Alert depending on the nature of the incident. 
  • If you have general concerns about asbestos and abatement on campus, please contact Cindy Chaffee, the director of environmental health and safety.
  • If you would like more information about this incident, please contact safety@illinoistech.edu.

Support and Resources

  • All employees and students are welcome to take advantage of the services ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ has to offer.
    • Students can access the  or contact the Student Health and Wellness Center directly at student.health@illinoistech.edu to inquire about in-person mental health services.
    • Employees can access services through the 

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