November 3rd, 2007

A Nebraska school was shut down last week when asbestos was disturbed during renovations. While the material is dangerous, school officials expect doors to reopen as early as next week.

During routine renovations at a Nebraska elementary school, asbestos was disturbed and the school was shut down as a precaution to students and faculty. The asbestos was in the cafeteria and gym, but due to the nature of the material, the entire school was sealed and will undergo cleaning before reopening next week. School officials stated that the closure was no more than a precaution, and that no one in the school had been exposed to the deadly material.

Asbestos can become airborne when it is disturbed, which is why the entire school was shut down. Air conditioning and heating vents, carrying the substance away from the origin of the asbestos, can distribute particles of the hazardous substance. When particles of asbestos become airborne, they can be inhaled and become stuck in the body. This can lead to many illnesses including asbestosis, emphysema and mesothelioma, a type of cancer. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos is trapped in the lungs, keeping them from absorbing oxygen and killing the tissue there.