March 21st, 2008

Broken floor tiles that have not been removed prompted a visit by county and state health inspectors this week at a Delaware elementary school. The tiles contain asbestos, and parents are concerned about the safety of their children.

Concerned parents prompted health officials to investigate a Delaware elementary school this week after floor tiles containing asbestos were not replaced. The health investigators said there was no reason to move students from the areas containing the tiles, but that abatement would need to take place. School officials have said they have secured the tiles with duct tape, which will keep the material from becoming airborne for the time. Abatement for the school is expensive, and school officials have been trying to get a referendum in place to remove the tiles for years.

The asbestos tiles pose a health concern, since exposed asbestos can become airborne. Breathing in asbestos fibers has been known to result in respiratory illnesses like emphysema and mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs and get stuck there, keeping the lungs from absorbing oxygen. Health officials say the tape will keep the asbestos safe for a short period of time until the tiles can be removed.