April 24th, 2008

Renovations that took place over Spring Break may have released asbestos into a Texas elementary school. While tests were done to make sure the work areas were safe, further tests show levels of lead and, perhaps, asbestos.

While students were away on Spring Break, renovations were taking place at a 70-year-old school building in Texas. The areas affected were supposed to be sealed off from other areas of the buildings, and the renovation company tested for asbestos before they left. But when students returned to their classrooms, some desks had dust covering them. A concerned parent tested the dust on their own, and the results showed high levels of lead. Since the lead was exposed, and the renovations also removed asbestos-containing materials, parents are now worried about asbestos.

The presence of asbestos dust is reason for concern, since the material would be airborne. Airborne asbestos fibers can be breathed into the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases like mesothelioma and emphysema. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest, and is usually untreatable when diagnosed due to the extended dormancy period. The company that completed the renovations is retesting all areas that were worked on, and results are expected back next week.