Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Louisville Middle School was closed last Friday and students sent home for the weekend after asbestos was found during renovations. 

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly used in many building materials due to its fire resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos, if left intact and undisturbed, does not pose a health risk. Therefore, many schools choose to leave the toxic material alone versus disturb it in attempts to remove it. When damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne, and when inhaled cause serious health diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency has a mandated program for schools that is designed to manage and prevent exposure, known as the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Part of this management plan is to evacuate areas of a school or the school at large if asbestos is determined to be present. If found, such as at Louisville Middle School, students and staff are sent home and accredited asbestos inspectors are called in to determine if asbestos is present and to what degree, and to create a management plan to ensure safety of students and school staff. Compliance with federal regulations must be met or hefty fines can be imposed. 

 

Louisville was given the green light to reopen after environmental specialists found that asbestos levels were safe and the school will reopen on Monday. Areas under renovation are closed off to students and staff.