Air sample tests returned yesterday afternoon showed that no asbestos particles were found in the air at Washington Elementary in Mt. Lebanon following a weekend abatement project that involved removing auditorium floor tile and wall panels that contained asbestos.

In addition, Don Horgan, chief asbestos inspector for the Allegheny Health Department, inspected the site Monday night and gave his approval for the district to occupy the auditorium once again, said District Spokeswoman Cissy Bowman.

However, absenteeism is still higher than normal today, with 34 of the school's 330 students absent, Bowman said, adding that a normal absentee figure for the school would be between 10-20 students.

Yesterday, 74 students were absent from the school and district officials suspected it was because of the asbestos abatement project. Some parents had warned the district on Friday they would keep their children home until air sample tests were completed.

Bowman said the school sent letters home yesterday explaining that five air samples taken from the auditorium were clear as were several other samples taken from other areas of the building.

However, since students who were absent didn't get the letter, district officials suspect that some families didn't get the information about the air samples. They will use email and activate a phone chain today to get the word out.