Residents of Greenwich, Conn. have been concerned about the spread of asbestos fibers from a local school renovation project to a nearby wiffle ball field, but town officials say their fears are unfounded.

The field is located behind the International School at Dundee in Riverside, where extensive renovations are taking place, including the removal of floor tiles that contain asbestos, notes an article in the Greenwich Time. Parents who have seen the “Danger Asbestos” signs near the field have expressed their concerns about the safety of their children.

“Would they put their kids there to play?” said Bob Bellantoni, whose son, Tim, 17, has been playing at the field that opened last Friday.

Bellantoni says the sight of several storage barrels and ventilation hoses sticking out the building’s windows is making him think twice about allowing Tim to play at the new field, which was recently relocated from another part of the city.

“What if the wind is blowing that way? What happens?” Bellantoni said. “This town is really screwed up.”

“It’s just a routine summer capital project going on with all the appropriate precautions. Nothing going on in the school has any impact on the availability of the field,” said Sue Wallerstein, assistant superintendent for business services at the private school.

Michael Long, director of environmental services with the health department, concurred and assured residents that everything was being done by a licensed contractor and according to asbestos removal guidelines. Special ventilation has been set up to avoid exposure to airborne asbestos dust.

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