Asbestos, a type of heat-resistant mineral, was widely used in building materials before the health risks were discovered. Our Social Hall is one of many structures that was built with asbestos tiles prior to the manufacturing ban in the 1980’s.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has determined that existing asbestos tiles are safe as long as they are undisturbed. However, when renovation work is performed in the Social Hall there could be a potential risk of future exposure. The process of abatement includes safely removing asbestos-containing materials and clearing the area of microscopic fibers.

As a necessary first step to our Social Hall project, this will be done in June by EnviroBate ^® professionals certified by the Minnesota Department of Health. They will fully seal the area and it will not be accessible to anyone else, including our staff. With the seal in place, we can safely continue activities in the rest of the church. Thank you for your support in ensuring health and safety for us all!