Asbestos, once used widely in construction materials due to its heat-resistant properties, remains a hidden danger in many older school buildings across the country. Despite its well-known health risks, many schools were built before the 1980s when the dangers of asbestos exposure became widely understood. Asbestos in schools continues to pose a significant risk to students, staff, and anyone working in or around these buildings. This blog will explore the dangers of asbestos in schools, the health risks it presents, and how parents and teachers can advocate for safer learning environments.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for its ability to resist heat, fire, and electrical damage. Asbestos can be found in some schools as it was commonly used in:
- Insulation for walls, ceilings, and pipes
- Floor tiles
- Roofing materials
- Textiles, such as fireproof curtains
While asbestos is effective in preventing fires and heat, its fibers can be harmful when disturbed. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or deteriorate, tiny fibers are released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and cause serious health problems like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis—diseases that can take decades to develop after exposure. Unfortunately, this risk is especially concerning in older school buildings, which may still contain materials with asbestos.
The Risks of Asbestos in Schools
In schools built before the 1980s, asbestos may still be present in various parts of the building, including:
- Ceiling tiles and wall insulation
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Heating systems and pipes
Activities like renovations, repairs, or even regular wear and tear can release asbestos fibers into the air. This puts everyone in the building—especially students, teachers, and custodial staff—at risk. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of asbestos, as their developing bodies are more sensitive to toxins.
The risk of asbestos exposure in schools is even higher where asbestos-containing materials are not properly managed or maintained. If a school building’s asbestos is not sealed off or monitored, it can cause dangerous exposure. Some of the areas there is asbestos in schools include:
- Heating systems and ventilation ducts
- School basements and attics
- Classrooms and hallways
- Bathrooms and gymnasiums
How Asbestos In Schools Affects Health
Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, even after years of exposure. Here are the major health risks associated with asbestos exposure:
- Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Mesothelioma is the most well-known disease caused by asbestos exposure and is often fatal.
- Lung Cancer: People exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they smoke.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which causes scarring in the lungs and difficulty breathing.
While these diseases may take years or even decades to develop, the impact on a person’s health can be severe, and the risk is especially dangerous for children and staff that are exposed to asbestos in schools.
How Parents and Teachers Can Advocate for Change
The risks of asbestos exposure in schools are real, but there are steps parents and teachers can take to ensure safer environments for everyone. Here’s how to advocate for safer schools:
1. Understand Your School’s Asbestos Policy
Schools are required by law to manage asbestos-containing materials and perform inspections. Check with your school district or local authorities to find out whether your child’s school has had an asbestos inspection and if it follows the required safety guidelines.
2. Request Information
Ask your school administration for an asbestos management plan, which is a document that outlines how the school handles asbestos risks. You have the right to know if asbestos-containing materials are present and how they are being safely managed.
3. Advocate for Regular Inspections
Ensure that your school conducts regular asbestos inspections as required by the EPA. These inspections should include an assessment of asbestos-containing materials and any potential risks for exposure.
4. Support School Renovation Projects
If renovations or repairs are being planned in older schools, ensure that proper precautions are in place to handle any asbestos that may be disturbed. Work with school administrators to make sure asbestos abatement contractors are hired to safely remove or seal asbestos-containing materials.
5. Raise Awareness in the Community
Raise awareness in your school and community about the risks of asbestos exposure and the importance of ensuring that all school buildings are safe. Organize meetings, workshops, or informational sessions with experts to educate parents, teachers, and staff about asbestos risks and the importance of safety measures.
6. Push for Updated Legislation
Advocate for stronger laws and regulations that protect school children and staff from asbestos exposure. Push for funding to help schools safely remove asbestos in older buildings.
Ensuring Safer Learning Environments
While asbestos has been banned in new construction, many older schools still contain asbestos-containing materials that can be a serious risk to students and staff. By staying informed, advocating for regular inspections, and supporting safe renovation practices, parents and teachers can help reduce asbestos in schools. Ensuring that our schools are safe and free from harmful materials like asbestos is crucial for the health and well-being of the next generation.
Get Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in a school
or other environment and has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. The Halpern Law Firm has over 35 years of experience helping victims of asbestos-related diseases. We can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, call (800) 505-6000, fill out our contact form, or chat with a representative on our website.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/abcs-asbestos-schools
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/federal-requirements-asbestos-management-schools-fact-sheet
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp61.pdf
