Health risk stalks Kingston craft market - UDC moves to fix asbestos danger

Tyrone Reid, Sunday Gleaner Reporter

Vendors who work at the Victoria Craft Market on the Kingston waterfront and visitors to the site are exposed to a potentially dangerous health risk: asbestos fibres.

The disintegrating roof of the craft market is laced with asbestos, a mineral fibre commonly used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant.

Medical authorities have repeatedly warned that the inhaling of small particles of asbestos can lead to lung cancer. This has left several persons worried about the dangers faced by users of the facility, especially since the problem was highlighted from as far back as 2006.

But despite the promises of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), owners of the market, to fix the problem, a Sunday Gleaner source remains very concerned about the well-being of the craft vendors.

"People actually live in there because from sunup to evening they are there. Some of them even have babies in bassinets in the market," the source said.

The concern was shared by Florence Jackson Salmon, president of the Kingston Craft Market Association.

"Yes, we (are aware of the asbestos problem). But where do we go?" Jackson Salmon asked. "There are 114 of us; most of us are women and single parents."

Learnt of problem in 2009

Jackson Salmon told our news team that she found out about the asbestos problem in 2009. "They approached us and they were supposed to come and deal with it."

In response to Sunday Gleaner queries, the UDC said last Friday it was aware of the problem and was taking steps to address it.

"The UDC wishes to confirm, from its perspective as owner of the building and from that of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation as operators, that the vendors are fully aware and were told that there is asbestos in the ceiling of the craft market," said the government entity.

"They were further advised and they understood that they would be decanted from the building once the work was due to start to ensure that there was no exposure to the material," added the UDC.