“Many have noticed that Carroll Hall, next to the Student Union, has been closed and is being prepared for demolition. Carroll Hall was home to the computer based testing lab and tutoring center prior to locking its doors. However, there may be more to worry about than where to go for tutoring.”
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Many have noticed that Carroll Hall, next to the Student Union, has been closed and is being prepared for demolition.

Carroll Hall was home to the computer based testing lab and tutoring center prior to locking its doors. However, there may be more to worry about than where to go for tutoring.

Posted on the doors of the building are signs reading Danger: Asbestos.

Asbestos, an insulation material that has been linked to cancer, was used to insulate Carroll Hall. However, the University of Akron assures students there is nothing to be worried about.

There is no danger whatsoever to students or staff, Vice President of Capital Planning Ted Curtis said. Carroll Hall was built in the late 50’s or early 60’s, when use of asbestos was common for insulation.

Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed, causing the particles to be inhaled in the lungs. If it is remains undisturbed, it is harmless.

UA is not just tearing down Carroll, but is having the carcinogen removed by experts first.

The asbestos is being very carefully taken out by trained and certified environmental technicians, Curtis said. They wear biohazard suits and have been working on removing the asbestos efficiently and safely.

The safety of our students and staff is always our main concern.

Removing the asbestos is also a costly endeavor.

The asbestos will be sealed and taken to special biohazardous material landfill, Curtis said. The total cost to remove the asbestos is around $85,000.

Curtis also explained that many of the older buildings on campus have asbestos in them, but that the university takes great measures to monitor the containment of the asbestos. Specialists frequently take readings of asbestos in buildings to make sure it is properly contained and to ensure the safety of everyone who uses these facilities.

So why demolish Carroll Hall? And what will UA replace that space with? According to Curtis, nothing.

The empty space will be part of the Green Zone. This Green Zone is intended to open up some space on campus and help free up the congested areas in order to make the campus even more beautiful, Curtis said.

Curtis also said, prior to demolition, that everything that could be removed from the building was reused.

Every department got their respective items back, he said. The desks and other items have been sent to university storage to be used as needed down the line.

Since the move, many students have needed the services of the tutoring lab, which used to be located on the second floor of Carroll Hall. Tutoring and the other services have been moved off to Fir Hill, Curtis said.

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” #1.1361308:365768017.jpg:20080214_carroll_cb.jpg:Carroll Hall sits vacant behind Buchtel Hall and next to the Student Union waiting to be demolished to make room for more green space.:Christopher Bair”