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Hamilton County says ‘there should be no dangers’ from asbestos at Health Department

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / The Hamilton County Health Department building is seen on Wednesday. After complaints to Tennessee workplace safety officials, Hamilton County says there's no asbestos exposure at Health Department. Staff photo by Olivia Ross / The Hamilton County Health Department building is seen on Wednesday. After complaints to Tennessee workplace safety officials, Hamilton County says there's no asbestos exposure at Health Department.

By David Floyd May 6, 2024 5 min read

Hamilton County officials said there was no asbestos exposure at the Health Department’s location on East Third Street after Tennessee regulators received complaints last month alleging hazardous conditions at the building.

The county is in the process of finding a new home for the department, which opened at 921 E. Third St. in 1961.

“The mere presence of asbestos does not pose a hazard,” the county said Monday in response to a series of questions from the Chattanooga Times Free Press. “As long as it is contained and not disturbed, there should be no dangers. Only when it becomes friable does it constitute an exposure.”