Air Quality Safe at Cape Breton Correctional Facility

Independent testing conducted on air samples at the Cape Breton Correctional Facility on May 17 indicates that the air quality is safe.

A report on the presence of asbestos from ADI Limited states that, "The reported values were well below the acceptable criteria of 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre."

Results of testing done by the same company on May 8 also showed the air quality is safe.

"Two separate testing processes indicate that the air quality at the Cape Breton Correctional Facility is safe," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "I am confident that this is a safe work environment for Department of Justice employees and inmates."

As a precaution, the Department of Justice has engaged Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental Agency to conduct air quality tests and building inspections at the Antigonish Cumberland correctional facilities.

The department is also complying with Occupational Health and Safety compliance orders for the Cape Breton Correctional Facility.

To comply with the orders, the department has hired Guild Construction Specialities Ltd. to remove and contain asbestos in a small area of the facility.

"Although the air quality tests have assured us that the asbestos poses no risk, we are, of course, complying with the orders from the Department of Labour and Workforce Development," said Mr. Clarke.