Students and faculty in the Krannert Art Museum and the Art and Design Building were subject to a loud buzzing noise March 10 ­— specifically, the sound of the connected buildings being tested for asbestos.

After a contractor discovered the asbestos in an area underneath the Link Gallery between the buildings, immediate cleanup ensued and additional testing was held by Facilities and Services that Thursday.

“There wasn’t any exposure while the contractor was there, and cleanup began that same day,” said Andy Blacker, specialist for Facilities and Services.

Faculty members expressed concern as to whether other parts of the building would be closed and if it may relocate classes.

However, the tests came back negative for asbestos in the remaining parts of the buildings, and the area in which the asbestos was found has been sealed off.

“There’s no problem anymore. It was all taken care of Wednesday, and no more of (the asbestos) was found Thursday,” Blacker said.

While asbestos is useful for some purposes, such as insulating attics and floors in houses, it can be extremely harmful to those who breathe in its fibers. According to the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, significant exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of ailments, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders. Asbestos-related health disorders can range from benign tumors, to life-threatening, cancers.

Taking these health concerns under consideration, the University sealed off the basement of the Krannert Art Museum, where the asbestos was discovered.

Entrance to the area is forbidden, and a sign on a door leading to the affected area reads “Danger: Asbestos. Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard.”

Melanie Yang, a student in LAS who is taking the art department’s Introduction to Art class, said the threat was concerning.

“I didn’t know anything about the testing at first,” she said. “I love and enjoy all the art classes, and I do spend lots of time there. So the potential threat will stay in my memory.”

Though the testing made her nervous, Yang said she is glad the University was responsible. However, she said the University should have made a public statement about these issues.

“It’s kind of distracting. I still feel nervous because it was an issue, and it caused a lot of questions to come up and created troubles,” said Yang. “When there is a problem, they should fix it, if not, they should just keep the peace.”