As many school buildings were built decades ago, asbestos was used in the construction of a lot of these older buildings. There was asbestos in Pittsburgh schools that eventually caused certain schools to shut down in the area. It was extremely hazardous for students and teachers to be exposed to asbestos fibers, as the fiber is a carcinogen. Although the more asbestos exposure someone breathes in the more likely they are to develop an asbestos-related disease, not even a small amount of asbestos is safe to breathe in.
There are many areas of a school building in which asbestos can be found. Asbestos was used in schools throughout Pennsylvania that were built before 1980, just like it was used in the construction of other buildings. Some different places where asbestos-containing materials may have been used in schools include:
- Vinyl flooring
- Ceiling tiles
- Piping
- Boiler rooms
- Wall boards
Asbestos in Pittsburgh schools was a problem for certain districts in the area. For instance, in 2022, Woolslair and Falson Elementary schools were both shut down due to asbestos-containing materials that were falling apart around teachers and students.
Asbestos and Asbestos-Related Diseases
When asbestos fibers are unbothered, they are not harmful, however when materials that contain asbestos deteriorate over time, these fibers can then become airborne and can put those in the surrounding area at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get lodged in certain organs in the body, leading to inflammation and scarring. This can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Schenley High School
This high school, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had significant asbestos issues. This ultimately led to the school’s closure in 2008. The school district voted to close the building by a vote of 5-4 because of problems regarding asbestos.
AHERA
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) makes sure that public school districts along with non-profit schools inspect their schools for materials that contain asbestos and requires them to prepare management plans and to take action to mitigate hazards due to asbestos.
This Act is important as it holds schools accountable for keeping their students and teachers safe during their daily lives.
How We Can Help
If you were exposed to asbestos in Pittsburgh schools and have developed an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, you have a right to pursue compensation for your diagnosis. At the Halpern Law Firm we have represented mesothelioma victims whose exposure to asbestos occurred through attending or teaching at a school that contained asbestos.
With an office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and many other offices throughout the state, the Halpern Law Firm is here to serve our clients, as they are our top priority. For decades we have helped victims of asbestos-related diseases get their rightful compensation by filing lawsuits with viable defendants and filing claims with asbestos trust funds. For more information, or to find out how we can help you and your family, please call the Halpern Law Firm at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-and-school-buildings
