UPDATE: KDHE to Test For Asbestos at Mall

The Central Mall will remain closed until further notice as officials investigate a potential asbestos concern.

Logan Jones with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Air tells KSAL News the agency received an inquiry regarding possible asbestos in the building. As a precaution, all operations inside the mall have been suspended until air samples are collected and confirmed safe.

According to Jones, the mall’s owner must hire a certified contractor to conduct asbestos and air quality testing. Samples will be taken from throughout the entire building and then submitted to KDHE for analysis.

Jones noted that stores with separate ventilation systems and exterior entrances may continue operating.

KDHE officials, including Jones, are expected to be in Salina on Thursday and Friday to oversee the sampling process. Test results are anticipated within the next few days.

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Original: The Central Mall in Salina will remain closed as state health officials test for asbestos.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment tells KSAL News during a recent inspection of a construction site within the mall in Salina, out of an abundance of caution, KDHE issued a verbal cease and desist order, closing the mall until a Notice of Demolition and asbestos testing are completed.

Once those items are completed, KDHE will make a determination as to whether the mall can reopen and if enforcement is warranted.

Stores are allowed to remain open if they can seal off the entry to the mall, have an exterior entrance and have a separate system for HVAC.