CHESAPEAKE – It will be classes as usual Thursday at Crestwood Middle School after it was closed Wednesday due to asbestos concerns.

Schools spokesman Tom Cupitt says 10 new air quality tests in the school came back negative for elevated levels of asbestos.

During the installation of the air conditioning and heating system, workers found pipes covered in asbestos.

The decision to evacuate the school came soon after that.

According to spokesman Tom Cupitt, the air quality tests were performed soon after the discovery was made.

Video: Asbestos found in Chesapeake school

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The asbestos covered pipes were found under some old ceiling tiles.

Six different tests were conducted, and one of them showed elevated levels of asbestos, too high to risk keeping the school open.

The school's 620 students were evacuated to nearby Oscar Smith High School on Tuesday as a precaution and parents were notified that the children were leaving.

According to the EPA, asbestos is harmless as long as it's not disturbed.

But, if damaged, it can release dangerous fibers into the air which if inhaled can cause cancer and other diseases.

Asbestos was popular in school construction from the 1940's through the 1970's.

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