By Brian F. Ladenburg on February 7, 2010

A landmark of Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood for decades, Sunset Bowl was torn down in January to make way for a new apartment complex. Though workers were poised to demolish the once popular bowling alley on January 19, the demolition was delayed for a time while workers tackled removal of asbestos inside the building. The workers knew in advance that the building was contaminated with the substance, but once they started working, they discovered more asbestos than had been anticipated. Asbestos was used in so many different types of building products that workers should always proceed with caution when undertaking the demolition or renovation of almost any structure. Asbestos was used not just in insulation, but also in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, wallboard, joint compounds and even in paint. As products age and become brittle, the asbestos fibers contained within can flake off and become airborne. Once they are released into the atmosphere, asbestos fibers may be inhaled and buried in the lungs. Decades later, those exposed to the dangerous substance are at risk for developing mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Because of the danger, asbestos products should always be removed by a professional and disposed of as hazardous waste, in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

For more information, go to http://www.myballard.com/2010/01/19/sunset-bowl-to-come-down-today/.v