Abandoned asbestos housing vulnerable to vandalism

Published Jan. 23, 2009
By Airman Anthony Jennings
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- What began as a seemingly harmless gesture of adolescence could possibly become a cause for concern among base housing officials as a dangerous act of vandalism.

A rash of vandalism has broken out in the base housing area in vacant housing units scheduled for demolition.

"People think just because the houses are being demolished they can come in and wreak havoc," said Staff Sgt. Julios Morelos, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron project manager. "But not only are they costing the Air Force money to clean up the mess they made, but they are putting themselves at risk."

Many of the housing units have working electricity and gas, posing fire and electrical hazards. However, one of the main concerns for housing officials is asbestos exposure.

The housing units to be demolished were built with asbestos, a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers and can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and do not conduct electricity, which is why it was widely used for construction.

When products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air. If inhaled they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can lead to serious health problems.

An investigation by 96th Security Forces Squadron into an act of vandalism at 104 Spruce Court led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia for two modified smoking devices. However, neither of the items had burn marks or residue consistent with drug use.

A walkthrough of the house revealed names written on the walls, but there was not enough information to narrow down who was being referenced. Security forces went out to Spruce Court and spoke with residents on both sides of the street.

"We came across several houses with children who, at one time or another, went inside the abandoned houses," said Master Sgt. Jay Curtis, 96th SFS investigator. "We instructed the parents to counsel their children on the importance of staying out of vacant and abandoned houses."

If caught, vandals can be charged with trespassing and vandalism.

Although it began with 104 Spruce Court, which was quickly demolished, the vandalism continued. Vacant housing units throughout the area have been broken into, glass doors shattered, light bulbs and windows broken.

Before the units can be demolished, they must undergo asbestos abatement. Otherwise, the rubble must be treated as contaminated and cannot be recycled.

Some of the houses in the demolition area are still occupied and the residents have been given a deadline to vacate by Aug. 31, with the exception of the residents assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing who will relocate to another base due to the wing's drawdown.

The process of demolition is divided into 10 phases. Phase six of demolition is completed and phase seven is already under way.

So far, 554 units have been demolished with a total of 463 remaining. Estimated completion of all units is Jan. 31, 2010.

"Parents should be vigilant and keep a watchful eye of what their children are doing because if they are caught, there are consequences," said Kathy Lawhon, 96th CE housing official. "This is another reason to keep their yards up to standards as a preventative measure to ensure their house isn't mistaken as vacant and possibly vandalized."