Officials have canceled visiting hours at an Oregon prison in response to fears that there may be asbestos in a ceiling panel at the site.

According to this article, the ceiling panel in a mechanical room fell to the floor, which may have moved asbestos and released dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. Officials are taking precautions to prevent asbestos exposure.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous health issues, including mesothelioma which is a rare and often deadly form of cancer. Even brief exposure to asbestos can be dangerous. Even though asbestos remains in many buildings built decades ago, it is typically considered to be safe unless it is moved or altered in any way.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, even for a brief amount of time, you should consult a personal injury lawyer with experience in asbestos cases.