Asbestos discovered in Sint-Niklaas library basement after leak repairs

Heavy rain recently caused a significant leak in the basement warehouse of the library in Sint-Niklaas, prompting an urgent inspection by plumbers. During their assessment, they discovered asbestos, raising serious health concerns due to the potential for airborne fibers. This finding necessitated immediate safety measures, leading to the closure of the basement for thorough evaluations and cleaning. The library's basement, primarily used for storing older and less frequently borrowed books, is currently inaccessible to the public. The city council is taking proactive steps to address the asbestos issue, which is particularly challenging given the age of the building. A specialized team has been deployed to assess the level of contamination and determine the safest course of action. The library's staff is also testing the air quality in the warehouse to ensure the safety of both employees and any maintenance workers involved in the repairs. As a result of the closure, the books stored in the basement cannot be borrowed or listed in the library's catalog, impacting library services. The city council is hopeful that the asbestos contamination is limited to the drain joint, which would minimize the extent of the problem. However, the situation underscores the complexities of maintaining older structures, especially those that house potentially hazardous materials. The library's basement will remain closed until at least the end of the month while safety assessments and necessary cleaning are conducted. This incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance in older buildings to prevent similar issues in the future.