Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Many of the schools across the nation, as well as in other countries, were built when asbestos was commonly used in construction. From the early 1900’s until the mid 1980’s, asbestos was often used in ceilings, wall linings, floor coverings and pipe lagging. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with long, thin fibers. It was once thought to be a miracle substance because of its ability to withstand heat, to insulate, and resist corrosion. Due to these properties, the durability and low-cost availability, asbestos was incorporated into almost 4,000 commercial and industrial products. 

 

Asbestos is now known to be toxic and inhalation of asbestos leads to many fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. 

 

Generally, it is recommended that asbestos be left alone if found intact and in good condition. Asbestos containing materials become a health hazard when they become ‘friable’. According to the EPA, dry asbestos is friable when it can be “crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure.” 

 

Unfortunately for students, parents, and teachers, many of the schools built in the last century have deteriorated. Often the asbestos containing building materials are broken or become disturbed or damage, creating the risk of asbestos becoming friable or airborne. 

 

This past week alone, several schools have faced closure of all or parts of their campuses due to asbestos discovery. In Georgia, at George Washington Carver High, the buildings are in such poor condition, including low ceilings made with asbestos, that the amount of money needed to repair the school to bring it up to federal regulations would cost more than building a new one. In Ohio, a primary school is closed due to the discovery of asbestos in the gym and third floors. Two hundred and six elementary students will have to find a new place to finish out their school year. In Wales, an entire annex of Penyrheol School is closed for at least two weeks due to contractors finding asbestos while doing renovations.   In Cumbria, the teachers’ union has joined other UK efforts to demand that asbestos not only be managed but removed from all schools.

 

Asbestos may have been phased out of use in the mid 80's, but the cancerous legacy lives on, claiming the lives of school teachers and custodians.  The fear is that asbestos present in older schools may be putting the lives of not only school staff, but also young students at risk of dangerous exposure.  Efforts are being made to ensure safety of everyone, through good management of existing intact asbestos and safe removal of damaged asbestos.