The Smithsonian Institution has settled a lawsuit with a former employee who accused the National Air and Space Museum of failing to properly contain asbestos and penalizing him after he complained.

According to documents obtained by The Washington Post under the Freedom of Information Act, the $233,000 settlement with Richard Pullman was signed in July. It was filed under seal at the Department of Labor.

Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas says there is no admission of guilt in the settlement.

An outside consultant's study ordered by the Smithsonian urges improvements in the handling of asbestos at the museum complex. The study calls for changes in training and procedures.

More than 800 Smithsonian workers have attended asbestos classes this year.

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