Kristi Noem's Urgent DHS Building Demolition Exposes Staff to Deadly Asbestos Poisoning

When Kristi Noem ordered the rapid demolition of several ageing buildings at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington, D.C., the stated reason was security. Officials described parts of the 171-year-old campus at St. Elizabeth's Hospital as structurally vulnerable.

The site is a National Historic Landmark.

DHS said urgent action was required.

Reporting shared by The New Republic presented a different concern. Staff members said the immediate risk was not theoretical security threats. They pointed to airborne asbestos released during demolition.

How Noem Turned Building Demolition to Asbestos Risk

Employees described contractors in full hazmat suits removing hazardous materials. At the same time, DHS personnel in business attire reportedly walked nearby without respiratory protection. One former aide said the scene felt 'surreal.' Demolition crews wore full personal protective equipment.

Federal staff were not offered masks, air testing results, or remote work options, according to those accounts.

Several employees said they were not formally briefed on specific asbestos risks either. They noticed sealed corridors and heavy plastic sheeting. They saw workers in protective suits. Some said warning signage was minimal or not visible at main entrances.

The St. Elizabeth's campus was originally built in 1855 as the Government Hospital for the Insane. Many buildings predate modern construction standards. Structures built before the 1980s often used asbestos for insulation and fireproofing. That material is now known to be dangerous when disturbed.

Preservation groups criticised the demolition decision. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the DC Preservation League raised concerns about heritage loss and safety protocols. They argued that demolition without strict environmental mitigation could endanger staff, contractors, and nearby residents.

DHS has not publicly confirmed whether airborne asbestos exceeded federal safety thresholds.

Occupational standards generally require containment zones, air monitoring, and protective equipment when asbestos is disturbed.

What Is Asbestos Poisoning?

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease. It involves scarring of lung tissue after prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres. The fibres trigger inflammation. Over time, they cause permanent lung damage. This leads to breathing difficulty and reduced oxygen intake.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. It affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Diagnosis often occurs decades after exposure. Treatment options are limited. Survival rates are low.

Lung cancer is also associated with asbestos. Inhaled fibres can contribute to malignant tumours. The risk is higher with long-term or occupational exposure. Smoking further increases that risk.

Pleural thickening and related conditions can also occur. These involve scarring of the lung lining. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. Lung expansion may become restricted.

Symptoms of asbestos-related disease often appear 20 to 50 years after exposure. Early signs include persistent coughing and fatigue. Advanced cases may involve severe breathing problems, weight loss, and fluid around the lungs.

Between 12,000 and 15,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma has a particularly poor prognosis. Five-year survival rates are often below 10 percent, depending on stage at diagnosis.

Is There A Safe Level the DHS Could've Allowed?

Federal health authorities state there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Short-term exposure does not always cause disease.

However, repeated or prolonged inhalation significantly increases risk. Demolition and renovation of older buildings remain major sources of occupational exposure.

Primary exposure often occurs in construction, shipbuilding, industrial maintenance, and building demolition. Secondary exposure can occur when fibres are carried home on clothing.

Federal law requires strict abatement procedures when asbestos is disturbed. These include containment barriers, negative air pressure systems, and continuous air monitoring. Workers must use approved protective equipment.

If airborne asbestos were released without full containment at a federal workplace, it could raise serious occupational safety concerns. Long-term health monitoring may be necessary in cases of confirmed exposure.

For now, federal employees want clarity on air testing results. They want confirmation that proper safeguards were followed. They also seek assurance that long-term medical monitoring will be offered if exposure occurred.