November 15th, 2007

A New York elementary school has been shut down this week after asbestos was found in the building. Asbestos had been found in the school in the past, although officials are expecting to reopen doors after only two days.

An elementary school was closed down this week after swipe samples came back positive for asbestos. Though the asbestos was not found in air samples taken in the building, the superintendent closed the building down as a precaution. The school had problems in the past with asbestos when the substance was found in the boiler room and the loading dock of the school. During those incidents, no one was exposed to the deadly material, as is the case with the most recent discovery.

Asbestos is a health concern only when it breaks apart and becomes airborne. The fibers of the substance can be inhaled and become stuck in the lungs. Asbestos exposure can result in many types of respiratory illnesses, including emphysema and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of aggressive cancer that results from asbestos particles lodged in the lining of the lungs, where it keeps the tissue from absorbing oxygen. School officials said there was little chance of exposure since the asbestos found was not airborne, and the building was closed immediately after its discovery.