Iowa Elementary School Considers Rescheduling Asbestos Abatement

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on May 15, 2007

Stewart Elementary School in Washington is scheduled for asbestos abatement as part of a renovation project on May 19, one week before the end of the school year. But parents are worried that the fibers, which can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and other illnesses years down the road, will unnecessarily put their children's health at risk when there are only two weeks left of school.

Washington School superintendent Dave Schmitt told parents that students would be "99.99 percent safe" during the project, which includes removing the carcinogenic fibers from tiling and glue in the kitchen, cafeteria, storage areas and classrooms.

He said special barriers and filters would be put up during the project, which will keep asbestos fibers from entering the school's air supply. Schmitt is also allowing parents to remove children from the last week of school without penalty, adding that the school board takes these concerns very seriously.

Maintenance director John Trier said the abatement was scheduled so major construction could be complete before students return in the fall.

The school board has recommended that the abatement be rescheduled till after school is out. A special meeting will be held on May 16 to discuss the issue further.

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