Asbestos Abatement at Stepping Stones

Asbestos: a legacy of mid-century buildings

In the middle part of the last century, asbestos was used broadly for construction. Asbestos fibers were almost universally incorporated into building materials, including glue, fabrics, other forms of insulation, plaster, etc., to help with fire-retardation and insulation. Like most buildings constructed during the early 1960s, our buildings contain asbestos. Specifically, asbestos in our buildings is found in pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring tiles. In its current form, it is not dangerous because it remains undisturbed.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined for thousands of years for its sound absorption, fire-repelling, and heat-resistant properties. Toward the end of the 20th century, asbestos and asbestos dust was connected to respiratory illnesses. These health effects are tied to asbestos dust or asbestos in its friable form. Friable refers to how asbestos fibers can easily be crumbled into tiny particles. The fibers in asbestos dust are very small and when inhaled, they build up in the lungs, causing long-term respiratory damage.

What does asbestos abatement look like?

If we are able to raise the funds necessary to perform the work, this summer we will be completely empty our buildings—including all learning materials—while a specialized and accredited firm completes the work. During the abatement process, no one other than professional contractors would be allowed to enter the buildings. Doors, windows, and current heating and cooling systems will be sealed off, and a separate “negative air” machine will be used. This machine draws air into the building to ensure that dust does not escape into the outdoor environment. 


Once the asbestos is removed, the contractor uses specialized equipment to remove any lingering dust from the air and from any surfaces in the buildings.

Poised for the future

The asbestos abatement of the Stepping Stones buildings will ready us for future upgrades to heating and cooling and further exciting renovations. 
After asbestos abatement and thorough cleaning, the school would be left more or less stripped of all interior finishings and fixtures, necessitating the installation of new flooring, ceilings, and light fixtures. 

 
By taking these precautions, when school resumes in the fall, our school will again be safe for students and families — and refreshed with new flooring, ceiling tiles, and improved light fixtures. Teachers and students have been dreaming of new flooring for a long time. Along with the new roof on the West building, our buildings will be ready for future upgrades to heating and cooling and further renovations. The asbestos removal is a critical first step toward these future projects.

Timeline and summer infant care

Work would start as soon as school gets out and be completed before the fall school year begins. Our summer program will be impacted, and we will not have a program this summer to allow the work to proceed safely. Some staff members have indicated that they are interested in working for families. If you’re interested in this option, please check at the front desk or email office@steppingstonesgr.org. 

Our plan is for work to be completed in time for the 2020-21 academic year. If we run into delays, our plan is to start the 2020-21 academic year with the asbestos removed, while we continue to work on replacing finishes (flooring and ceiling). Classrooms will be the priority for completion before school resumes. Again, our hope is to have everything done! 

We need your help!

Our improvement plan hinges on meeting our capital campaign goals. We are thrilled to kick off our Uniquely Stepping Stones Capital Campaign. Read more about it here.