Air quality testing was conducted Thursday in those parts of the Athletic Complex which share the same ventilation system with the boiler room where the incident took place. The results of the tests indicate that there was no asbestos contamination in those areas. As an additional precaution, the ventilation system serving those areas was turned off. As a result of the ventilation equipment being off-line, limited portions of the complex, including the pool, will remain temporarily closed. This is due to the lack of ventilation, not due to asbestos contamination.
A limited number of emergency responders and other UVM employees may have been exposed to asbestos in the boiler room and underwent subsequent decontamination. These persons have been identified and all necessary measures to ensure their safety have been taken.
Investigators from the Burlington Fire Marshal's Office are continuing a joint investigation into the cause of this incident with the State of Vermont, Division of Fire Safety. The investigation will be delayed due to contamination inside the boiler room. The injured employee was transported to Fletcher Allen Health Care. He was reported to be in good condition Friday morning.