Graduation at Ohio's Fostoria High Will Come with Asbestos Warning

If the turnout looks a little lighter than normal Sunday for commencement ceremonies at Fostoria High School in Ohio, that will be understandable. According to the Review Times Newspaper in Fostoria, there will be "Asbestos Warning" signs posted on all the doors to the school gymnasium, where the annual ceremonies will be held. It's not exactly a welcome mat. Asbestos is the naturally occurring mineral that can cause a variety of serious health issues, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Health officials throughout the world agree there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Asbestos, which once was praised for its heat resistance, versatility and cost effectiveness, was widely used through much of the 20th century in the construction industry, including in schools and gymnasiums across American that were built before 1980. And while many in Fostoria are excited about the upcoming renovations and upgrades planned at the junior/senior high school, the recently-posted warning signs now could cause some concern on graduation day. The warnings were posted because asbestos was used in the adhesive beneath the gymnasium floor, which will be replaced this summer. School officials have assured the students and parents that there is no health risk, but no one really can say for sure. "It (asbestos) is encased in a semi-solid glue, so it's not like it's going airborn or anything," Fostoria High Athletic Director Aaron Weidner told the Review Times Newspaper.  Many gymnasium floors ...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure & Bans Source Type: news