February 15th, 2008

A school fire in Ohio has raised an asbestos concern after elevated levels of the dangerous material was detected. Initial reports said the building was safe, and faculty worked in the school for days after the fire.

A basement fire in an Ohio elementary school left the building closed to students, but faculty were assured that the building was safe and worked in the building for a few days after the fire. New tests showed elevated level of asbestos and the building is now closed to everyone. New air quality tests were ordered, and the results will be reviewed this week before a decision is to be made about the school building reopening. Faculty, however, is concerned about asbestos exposure during the days that they were allowed to return to the building.

The faculty has a right to be concerned, since asbestos exposure has been linked to numerous illnesses, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer, occurs when asbestos particles are disturbed and become airborne. The particles can be inhaled into the lungs, getting caught there and keeping the lungs from properly absorbing oxygen. The resulting cancer, mesothelioma, can take years to manifest, and is often times terminal when detected.