Update – Potential asbestos exposure

Update (February 23, 2021): The testing conducted by an outside environmental agency on Monday, February 22 concluded that the air quality is acceptable and the area is safe to occupy. After HWDSB trained staff verified appropriate cleaning was complete, the hallway was made accessible again to staff and students on Tuesday, February 23. Actions are being taken to prevent a reoccurrence.

February 22, 2021

Dear Families,

Ancaster High experienced a potential asbestos exposure today located in a hallway outside the East Wing cafeteria. Asbestos was disturbed in the ceiling while a Board contractor was investigating a concern with the HVAC system on the evening of Thursday, February 18.

The work began last week and was done in a controlled environment. The hallway was inaccessible to staff and students. The potential exposure occurred for a limited time today, Monday, February 22 when the area was made accessible to staff and students, after the contractor completed the work.

HWDSB engaged an outside environmental agency to conduct air sampling. We will share the sampling results with the school community after receiving them. The hallway will remain closed to staff and students until the results are returned, and the area is deemed acceptable to occupy. We are taking the necessary precautions to prevent future occurrences.

The health and safety of our staff and students is paramount. The human health effects from long-term unsafe asbestos exposure are well documented. The possible exposure at Ancaster High was limited in scope and duration. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety notes that people are more likely to experience asbestos-related disorders if they:

• are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos,
• are exposed for longer periods of time, and/or
• are exposed to asbestos more frequently.

If you have any health concerns, please contact your family doctor. If you wish to discuss this matter, please reach out to me through our school office. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Beth Woof

Principal