Record-Breaking Winter Weather Exposes Asbestos Threats

The brutal winter storms affecting most of the U.S. bring more dangers than just freezing temperatures and icy roads. Snow, freezing rain and weather forecasts in the single digits can also affect building materials containing deadly asbestos. For example, a Massachusetts elementary school remains closed after a pipe burst over the holiday break and damaged asbestos ceiling tiles. Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Andre Ravenelle said Crocker Elementary School will be closed until at least Friday as the building undergoes remedial work. “We are working with the appropriate agencies and licensed experts to remediate the damage and ensure Crocker continues to be a safe, healthy environment for students, parents, educators and staff,” Ravenelle said in a statement. Winter weather and natural disasters can damage asbestos-containing building materials, which may release toxic asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing in these fibers may lead to serious diseases later in life, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Aging Fitchburg Schools a Cause for Concern According to a recent study released by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, Crocker and Longsjo Middle School had the lowest score in the “building condition” category. Students from six classrooms at Longsjo had to be moved this week after the heating system stopped working. Meanwhile, classes had to be relocated at Fitchburg High School after a burst sprinkler soaked ceiling tiles in several rooms durin...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Andre Ravenelle asbestos in schools Crocker Elementary School environmental protection agency Fitchburg High School Longsjo Middle School Massachusetts School Building Authority Reingold Elementary School Sally Cragin winter storms Source Type: news