High school undergoing mesothelioma-preventing asbestos abatement

Although citizens of Zanesville, Ohio have gathered in order to discuss ways to prevent the demolition of the old Zanesville High School, it seems as if it won’t be saved.

Zanesville’s students will begin the 2010-2011 school year in the new high school, which will have a new cafeteria and gym. The old high school is scheduled to be demolished on June 29th.

Asbestos abatement has already begun in the old building, and if any of the building were to be saved, there may be issues with the demolition contracts which are already in place.

Asbestos abatement is necessary when buildings are scheduled to be demolished. For if the toxic material were not removed, airborne asbestos particles would be released, and then, may be inhaled by the public. Once inhaled, those exposed are put at risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, there is no mesothelioma cure, and the disease is difficult to diagnose due to its long latency period of between ten and fifty years. Symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other illnesses, and so mesothelioma is also often misdiagnosed. Mesothelioma doctors generally begin palliative treatment efforts as soon as a mesothelioma diagnosis has been rendered in an effort to extend the life of the patient.

Zanesville City Schools Superintendent, Terry Martin, noted: "It’s always commendable when people want to do things to better our community, but time is not on our side at this point. We’ll have to see what develops.”

Martin also noted that every avenue was taken that might have allowed the district to save the auditorium. The district has approached both the city of Zanesville and the YMCA; neither has displayed interest in obtaining the old gym.