Asbestos can lurk in the most intimate of places, including a family center building in New York.

The announcement of a $5 million grant to clean up and renovate the 110-year-old Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, has brought renewed focus to the ongoing challenge of asbestos contamination in older buildings—an issue that is sure to linger for a long time to come.

The grant, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Brownfields program, will help remove harmful asbestos fibers from the building and make necessary renovations to ensure it remains a safe and supportive space for the many organizations and families it serves. This grant is not just an investment in the physical structure itself but in the long-term health and well-being of the community, addressing a pressing environmental issue while also enhancing public safety.

The Family Partnership Center: A Lifeline for the Community

The Family Partnership Center (FPC), located on North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie, serves as a vital hub for community support. It houses 20 different partner organizations, all working toward the betterment of local families, providing essential services such as mental health support, housing assistance, and child welfare programs to those who need it most.

Leah Feldman, CEO of Family Services Inc., emphasized the significance of the building, saying city officials view the center “as a beacon of hope, as a lifeline, [and] as a safety net for the community.”

The FPC has been a staple in the community for more than a century. However, like many older buildings across the U.S., it has also been home to hazardous materials once prevalent in infrastructure, such as asbestos, which, when disturbed, can pose serious health risks.

Why the $5 Million Grant Is So Needed

The EPA’s $5 million funding is a key part of ongoing efforts to protect the safety and longevity of this historic site. The money will be used to remove asbestos from various parts of the building, particularly the microscopic fibers that are embedded in its floors and ceilings, where it was used most. Although the asbestos that’s present currently poses no immediate safety threat, as it’s concealed, addressing the contamination now is a proactive measure to prevent future health risks. As the structure continues to age, it becomes more likely that wear and tear will free the fibers, causing them to go airborne and potentially leading to exposure.

“From a public health lens, prevention is a great investment,” said Livia Santiago-Rosado, Dutchess County Health Commissioner.

Understanding Asbestos and Its Risks

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for various purposes since ancient times. Asbestos use in the U.S. accelerated significantly during the early 20th century with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. It became a sought-after material in several sectors due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties, and asbestos was integrated into commercial and residential construction projects, textiles, automotive parts, and many common household products.

The problem of legacy asbestos

In this way, while asbestos was originally viewed primarily as an occupational hazard, exposure risks haven’t been limited to the workplace. Secondary, or secondhand, exposure, which occurs when family members or other individuals come into contact with asbestos fibers carried home on clothing, hair and skin or in shared vehicles, has also been a significant concern. Spouses and children of workers in high-risk industries have been particularly susceptible to asbestos-related diseases over the years due to the combination of being exposed both to fibers carried home and to those already present in their residences.

Where is legacy asbestos found?

In buildings like the FPC, asbestos might be found in insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, glues and other adhesives, cement, and more. It was also likely to be found in any kitchenware, blankets, draperies, cosmetics, arts and craft supplies, dental products, stuffed animals, and children’s toys these centers may have for public use.

As long as fibers can remain intact and undisturbed, as such when hidden in walls or floorboards, they pose no risk. However, when these fibers become “friable,” circulating through the air, they can be breathed in. From there, they latch themselves into the lining of internal tissues (most commonly the lungs) and remain there permanently, leading to inflammation and cell damage that can cause a number of chronic and life-threatening diseases.

Some prevalent asbestos-related diseases include serious respiratory illnesses such as asthma, COPD and emphysema, asbestosis, and various forms of cancer. A few of the most aggressive and deadliest cancers known to man can develop as a result of exposure, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, to new a few.

The Importance of Proper Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos abatement is the process of safely removing or containing asbestos in a way that minimizes exposure to toxic fibers. Proper abatement requires specialized training and equipment to ensure asbestos is removed in its entirety, eliminating the risk of further contamination. Professional testing and removal are particularly vital for community centers like the FPC, because of the sheer number of visitors these buildings tend to have. Cutting corners can minimize exposing a large number of people to friable fibers.

In the case of the FPC, specifically, while the asbestos inside doesn’t seem to be posing an immediate threat, taking proactive measures to remove it will eliminate the need for constant monitoring. Abatement can be costly, but ongoing testing and maintenance would be both far more expensive and a riskier approach.

The Brownfields Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Environmental Cleanup

The EPA’s Brownfields program is designed to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges posed by contaminated properties in communities across the United States. The term “brownfield” refers to properties that are abandoned or contaminated with hazardous substances. These sites are often located in historically overburdened communities where resources for remediation are scarce.

The $5 million grant for the Family Partnership Center is part of the EPA’s broader efforts to clean up and revitalize brownfield sites, making them usable once again. The initiative aims to return contaminated properties to communities, creating spaces where families and businesses can thrive. 

Asbestos Removal: Worth the Investment

In addition to improving public health and safety, the cleanup of these sites can also help stimulate economies by creating jobs in environmental remediation, construction, and development, increasing property values, bringing in new business, and boosting existing commerce. Thus, the FPC grant will not only ensure the building’s continued use as a public resource but will also help support economic development and the local community at large.

The renovation is a collaborative effort between the City of Poughkeepsie, Family Services Inc., the EPA, as well as several state agencies, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Cooperation between these entities is needed to ensure the project’s success.

“By working together, we can ensure that our communities are safe, healthy, and resilient,” Arcaya said.

Working Towards a Safer Future

The FPC renovations not only address the immediate risks posed by asbestos but also strengthen the center’s role as a community lifeline, supporting the work of 20 local organizations that provide essential services to families in need. The project also serves as a model for how communities can work together to safeguard public health and revitalize spaces for the benefit of all.

As communities remain riddled with asbestos contamination, it’s essential that proper abatement, professional oversight, and long-term preventive measures continue to be funding priorities. Allocating resources to these initiatives will protect the public at large and future generations to come.