April 13th, 2008

Students at a technical school in Alabama were moved this week after asbestos was found in the attic. School officials stated that the students were in no danger, since they had no access to the attic.

Students at a technical school in Alabama were moves this week after asbestos was found in the building’s attic. The 150 students were never in danger of exposure, since they had no access to the attic area. Asbestos was first found when piping insulation had to be repaired. Further investigation showed asbestos in the entire attic, and air sample tests were taken. Results from the tests showed no airborne asbestos, but the students were moved to a nearby elementary school while a plan can be made to remove or seal the asbestos.

Asbestos was widely used as a form of insulation prior to the 1980s, and is normally a safe material. Asbestos only becomes a health concern when the material becomes airborne and can be breathed into the body. Inhaling airborne asbestos can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma and emphysema. An aggressive form of lung cancer, mesothelioma can lay dormant for years, and is usually fatal when it is diagnosed.