The dangers of asbestos exposure in Scranton, PA are not just a thing of the past. While asbestos was once widely used in construction throughout the city, its legacy continues to affect residents, students, and public building occupants today. One of the most alarming examples of modern asbestos risks involves several buildings in Scranton, where hazardous materials were identified.
Even individuals with no occupational exposure can suffer the consequences of asbestos simply by spending time in older schools, government offices, and commercial buildings. At the Halpern Law Firm, we are committed to helping Scranton residents understand their rights if they have been exposed to asbestos in public or commercial spaces.
Many buildings constructed before the 1980s still contain asbestos in Scranton, especially in:
Over the years, many older buildings used materials with asbestos. When those materials break down or are disturbed, they can release tiny fibers into the air. People who worked in these buildings may have unknowingly breathed in those fibers. This kind of exposure can lead to serious health issues later in life, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases.
One of the most recent examples of asbestos exposure in Scranton occurred in the Scranton School District. In 2016, inspections revealed more than 70 areas in district schools containing asbestos materials. However, the findings weren’t made public until 2020, when four schools were shut down due to asbestos exposure and contaminated drinking water.
The schools impacted included:
Scranton has many buildings, beyond schools, that have been identified as containing asbestos. These locations include public-facing facilities where people may have been unknowingly exposed:
Whether you were a patient, visitor, parishioner, or worker in one of these buildings, you may have been at risk for asbestos exposure, especially if renovations or deterioration disturbed asbestos-containing materials.
This situation highlights a broader concern, being that asbestos is not limited to aging industrial sites. It’s present in public spaces where families, educators, and children spend their time daily. Many people are unaware that simply being in an older school, courthouse, or office building could have exposed them to harmful asbestos fibers.
That’s why education is important. Scranton residents deserve to understand the dangers of asbestos and how it may have impacted their health over the years. Just as importantly, they deserve justice. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation, even if the exposure happened decades ago.
David Halpern has over 35 years of experience standing up for victims of asbestos exposure. Our team can help identify where the exposure occurred, explain your legal options, and guide you through filing a claim. We’re here to fight for the justice and financial support you deserve. Our Scranton Mesothelioma Law Office is located at 210 Montage Mountain Rd #7 Moosic PA 18507. We are eager to help you and your family.
Get the Legal Help You Need for Asbestos-Related Illnesses in Scranton
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another illness related to asbestos exposure in Scranton, Pennsylvania, reach out to the Halpern Law Firm at (800) 505-6000. You can also complete our contact form or use our live chat service for assistance. Our skilled attorneys are prepared to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve after asbestos exposure in Scranton.
Sources:
“Environmental Asbestos Exposure,” Mesothelioma Guide
https://www.mesotheliomaguide.com/mesothelioma/causes/asbestos/types-of-asbestos-exposure/environmental-asbestos-exposure/
“Citing Dangerous Levels of Asbestos in Scranton Schools,” SMBB Law
https://www.smbb.com/news-article/citing-dangerous-levels-of-asbestos-and-lead-contamination-in-scranton-schools-first-lawsuit-filed-today-seeks-medical-monitoring-for-those-exposed-class-status-and-damages/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Settlement with Scranton School District:
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-reaches-settlement-scranton-pennsylvania-school-district-alleged-asbestos-related
Federal Class Action Lawsuit Against Scranton School District:
https://www.courthousenews.com/class-says-scranton-schools-turned-blind-eye-to-asbestos/
WNEP News Report on Asbestos and Lead in Scranton Schools:
https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/asbestos-unsafe-lead-levels-found-in-scranton-schools/523-55352902-2a7c-4bdc-aa89-e2e6c6aaffe1
Scranton School District Environmental Task Force Page:
https://www.scrsd.org/departments/operations/environmental-task-force