Asbestos Found in New Mexico State Office Building

The General Services Department says low levels of asbestos have been found in a New Mexico government office building that’s scheduled for an $18 million renovation.

The agency said the asbestos was in glue fastening latillas to ceilings and walls in the Manuel Lujan Building in Santa Fe.

General Services Secretary Ed Burckle said the materials can be safely removed and don’t pose a health risk now because the glue remains intact.

About 90 employees of the Taxation and Revenue Department will be relocated to another office by the end of the month and then asbestos abatement will start. The building renovation is expected to begin by the end of October or early November.

More than 200 workers at the tax agency already have moved to a temporary location.