Research Medical Center of Kansas City is facing an $84,000 federal fine for exposing several of its employees to asbestos-related contamination during a recent expansion project. A report issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last Thursday called the violations "serious" and "willful" and stated that the hospital knew of the asbestos since September 2006 at least. The asbestos-containing material was found in a vinyl wall covering with gray felt backing, a material which crumbles easily allowing the asbestos fibers to become airborne. The asbestos was located in several areas, including hallways, a boiler room, and an x-ray control room.

Following release of the OSHA report, the hospital notified 85 of its employees about the potential asbestos exposure. It now has 15 days to respond to OSHA's findings, and either pay the fine, dispute the findings or negotiate a lower penalty. At this time it has not been determined whether patients and hospital visitors were exposed, as OSHA's six-month investigation only covered employee exposure. A separate OSHA investigation into possible exposure to construction workers who were renovating the hospital's fourth floor is ongoing.