The building slated to hold the brand new Monroe Twp., NJ library will contain more than just books, magazines, and other media, say township officials. The building, once owned by Verizon, comes complete with dangerous asbestos fibers.

According to an article in the Gloucester County Times, Monroe mayor, Michael Gabbianelli, said last Friday that he was informed on Thursday of the results of an environmental study performed at the former Verizon building and immediately authorized an extensive air quality examination, adding that township employees performed “demolition tasks” inside the structure last summer which may have resulted in the spread of asbestos fibers.

“Today, we are contacting all township employees, including our summer and student hires, in an effort to notify anyone who may have been in the building or in contact with the building this past year,” Gabbianelli said in a statement to the press.

He added that a study revealed a 3 percent asbestos rating in the joint compound used in the wallboard on the perimeter walls of the building. The federal limit is 1 percent.

Gabbianelli said officials contacted the Gloucester County Board of Health and notified other state and federal agencies about their concerns. The area where the sample was taken had not been disturbed, he added.

“While we do not believe that these circumstances warrant a public health hazard or risk, we are going to proceed with an abundance of caution,” Gabbianelli said. “I want to assure all of our employees, including our summer help, that the township is dedicated to protecting their well being.”

The township will provide concerned employees with a medical screening and answer any related questions, officials explained.

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