Long Island School Evacuated Because of Exposed Asbestos Planks
By Jim Greene
Published on April 30, 2010
A high school on New York's Long Island was evacuated last month after it was determined that construction material removed from a basement boiler room included asbestos planks. Students were dismissed for spring break a day and a half early and school officials promised to clean up the grounds and conduct air quality tests before classes resumed.
The head of facilities at Syosset Central School District discovered the asbestos planks stacked near a Dumpster. They had been removed from the boiler room as part of a cleanup job.
Students were surprised by the evacuation of the school, which they described as orderly, but very sudden. Some were transferred to a nearby middle school until transportation home could be arranged.
Asbestos Fibers Known to Be Serious Health Risk
The evacuation of the school was ordered because exposure to asbestos fibers in the air is known to cause health problems, including asbestosis and the cancer mesothelioma. Most cases result from prolonged exposure, but cumulative exposure incidents may also be harmful, since asbestos fibers cannot be expelled once they enter the lungs.
Asbestosis is scarring of the lungs caused by asbestos fibers. It eventually interferes with breathing and can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the chest wall, lungs, or heart. These asbestos-related diseases are incurable and fatal.
Many Schools Still Contain Asbestos
Although the potential health risks of asbestos have been suspected for about 70 years, its use as an insulating and fire retardant construction material in schools and other public buildings continued until about 20 years ago. Current government policy does not require the removal of asbestos from school buildings, but requires that it be completely covered to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
If you or someone you know has suffered illness or death as the result of asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other medical problems related to asbestos exposure, contact an experienced product liability attorney. You may be eligible for financial compensation to pay medical bills, recover from lost wages and benefits, and provide for your family in your absence.
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