Asbestos in Schools an Issue for Philadelphia Residents

In the last five years, Philadelphia schools have reported six accidental releases of deadly asbestos. At least six asbestos release accidents have occurred in local schools in the last five years.

Materials containing asbestos such as floor and ceiling tiles can release tiny asbestos particles or a fine asbestos-laced dust into the air if disturbed. That dust can be deadly when inhaled, and can lead to mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive and always fatal cancer.

“The bottom line is anytime you’re dealing with asbestos materials, where you are going to be disturbing them, you definitely have to work with a certified asbestos contractor,” said Donna Heron, a Philly-regional EPA spokeswoman.

But accidental releases can happen, and when they do, asbestos experts may not be on hand to help mitigate the dangers of the deadly substance.

In February, a contractor doing wiring work in Morrisville Middle-Senior High School drilled into a wall containing asbestos. The school was then forced to evacuate the students, and conduct environmental and air quality testing.

Thankfully, in all of the recent incidents, all tests for asbestos were negative.

Some critics find it troubling that schools are not required to notify the EPA when asbestos is released, despite the fact that the EPA is responsible for overseeing asbestos management.

Federal law requires air-quality testing following an asbestos repair or removal activity.

Most Philly public schools built before 1980 contain asbestos in building materials such as pipe insulation and floor or ceiling tiles.

Even a single asbestos release can prove deadly, as asbestos that becomes lodged in the lungs is impossible to remove. Repeated exposure to asbestos can cause scarring and inflammation, known as asbestosis.

Since 1986, U.S. schools have been required under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act to regularly monitor and inspect asbestos-containing materials and prepare management plans to prevent or reduce safety hazards.