The Times Herald-Record reported today that students at SUNY New Paltz are worried that they may have been exposed to asbestos. Students living in the 250-resident Crispell dorm were notified earlier this month about an upcoming roof replacement project and were given explicit instructions to keep their windows closed at all times during the course of the construction project. Many students have expressed concern about dust they have seen coming off of the building and are further worried that during last week's heat wave, when many students opened their windows for air, they may have unknowingly exposed themselves to hazardous asbestos dust.

However, campus spokesman Eric Gullickson has assured the safety of the students, stating that the asbestos is in the glue under the metal flashings and not the roofing material. He further stated that the glue is of a "non-friable" variety that is less likely to break down and become airborne, and that the dust seen by the students is not asbestos fibers, but is a result of the removal of the concrete. Many students are not convinced, however, and are calling for the school administration to be more forthcoming about the details of the ongoing construction project. Similar roof replacement projects are planned at four other dormitories on campus.