Miami Science Museum Closed After Asbestos Found
MIAMI (CBS4) --Asbestos has been found in the insulation in a small mechanical room at the Miami Science Museum resulting in the museum's temporary closure.
The museum, located at 3280 S. Miami Ave., is closed Friday, and is expected to be closed through Monday morning, according to museum Spokesman Tony Lima.
"We were able to get the top tester in the area to come and test (Friday)," Lima said, adding that results may be in as soon as 6 p.m. Friday, although he expects the facility to remain shut through the weekend.
A test sample from a remote mechanical room showed signs of asbestos this week, prompting the museum to take action. The facility is working with the Miami-Dade County Administration and D.E.R.M. to find out if the whole museum is contaminated.
Administrators decided to close the facility to the public and employees while the rest of the building is investigated, according to a notice released by the museum Friday.
The museum is a popular meeting place for organizations and families. Lima said two groups were impacted by the sudden closing.
"We are notifying people with scheduled events to the closure, and we had one Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday," he said.
Lima said any groups impacted by the closure will either be accommodated or their money refunded should they have to miss their meetings.
The majority of the facility was renovated in 1991 and features newer construction materials.
The room in question is not accessible by the public.
