Classrooms at Illinois school tested for asbestos, only known cause of mesothelioma cancer

In Peoria, Illinois, six classrooms at Richwoods High School must be tested for the presence of asbestos dust and fibers. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been linked to the development of pleural scarring, lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a rare but lethal cancer with no known cure. Mesothelioma may take decades to develop after a person has been exposed to asbestos, but once symptoms are present, the disease can kill within weeks or months after being diagnosed.

For years, asbestos was used in insulating materials, fireproofing materials, and even floor tiles and some cements. Many older buildings across the US still contain asbestos, which is generally considered safe as long as it is not disturbed during renovations or damaged in some way.

While school district officials had tested the area for asbestos in both October and January, a teacher at the school paid for his own round of asbestos testing earlier this month, which did detect small amounts of asbestos fibers.

“Our priority is to protect our students and staff, that’s why we are testing this again,” District 150 Treasurer Pam Schau explained.

Dan Kerns, the teacher who paid to test some of the material himself, believes that the asbestos accumulated in classrooms around the newly installed windows, which were placed in classrooms in recent months as part of a $4 million renovation project.

“My goal is to look out for the best interests of the students and keep them safe,” Kerns said, explaining why he paid for samples to be tested by Peoria Disposal Co (PDC). However, according to local news reports, PDC’s laboratory is no longer accredited as a certified public health lab.