Building material that could contain asbestos has been discovered in the ground floor of the Otago University Dental School on Thursday morning.
Otago University exclusively told Critic on Thursday evening: “there is no risk to people in the building, but we are taking a cautious approach by closing off the area where the suspect building material was found until it has been fully identified.”
The substance was found when part of the building was being prepared for demolition.
The university said: “The area where the material was found has been closed off and staff, students, and clients are not able to access the area. The dentistry clinics are partially open and emergency dental care will always be available.”
Samples of the substance were sent off on Thursday to be scientifically analysed to be returned the following day. It is hoped the building will be fully operational again by this week. “People in the building have been informed of the issue and will be kept up to date.”