Asbestos detected, contained at Yokota Published Aug. 6, 2014 By 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Base officials announced today that materials containing asbestos were detected in a dumpster located on Yokota's East Side near Building 4446. "The materials are confined to a container that has been sealed and isolated and there is minimal concern of exposure," said Capt. Mark Lazane, 374th Airlift Wing spokesperson. "Our hazardous materials specialists are working with the appropriate agencies to abate the material in the safest and most expeditious manner possible and all steps possible are being taken to ensure the protection and wellbeing of all of Team Yokota." According to Yokota's bioenvironmental experts, the threat of exposure to this particular asbestos and the risk to the public's health are both negligible, as these particular materials are not easily friable, meaning that the asbestos fibers are not easily released into the environment unless they are harshly manipulated through drilling, crushing etc. As a precaution, the public is restricted from entering the area of the sealed container, which is under cordon to preclude any further potential exposure to the material and to aid removal operations. The dumpster is clearly marked in both English and Japanese. Base officials have convened a board to investigate the incident, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.