April 11th, 2008

Parents of students at a New Mexico middle school are worried over a notice posted at the building. The notice states that there is asbestos in the school, but officials say the building is safe.

When parents walked up to a middle school in New Mexico, they began to be worried. The notice said that there is asbestos in the school, but that the material poses no danger to students or faculty. The asbestos is found in the flooring and for now is sealed within the walkway. Parents, however, feel that any amount of asbestos anywhere in the school could be a danger to students. Since foot traffic in the halls handles up to a thousand feet a day, some parents are concerned that the material may not stay contained for long.

School officials are quick to point out that only airborne asbestos is dangerous, and that the asbestos found in the flooring has not taken to the air. Asbestos is usually only a danger when it breaks apart and can be breathed in, creating a health risk. Asbestos exposure has been known to cause cancer and respiratory diseases like emphysema. Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, can result from airborne asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can also take years to diagnose. School officials also stated that the material would be removed this summer over the break.