As a teacher, you take great pride in putting today’s youth on the right track to a better future. While doing so, you hope that you’re able to remain safe and healthy.
There are health and safety hazards that are easy to pinpoint and avoid. There are also those, such as asbestos, that can hide out of sight and cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma.
Why is asbestos a problem in schools?
Newer schools don’t have this concern, but the same doesn’t hold true of those that are decades old and still in use.
For example, schools built during the 1940s through 1970s are more likely to contain asbestos, as it was commonly used during this time period.
Asbestos may be found in products such as:
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Pipe wrap
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Roof shingles
Theoretically, the drywall you walk past every day of the week could contain asbestos. Or the insulation used to keep the school warm could contain asbestos, with the possibility of it becoming airborne if disturbed.
If you have any reason to suspect that asbestos is present in your school, it’s critical to express your concerns to your district superintendent. Not only does this create an official record of your concerns, but it should push them to learn more about potential exposure.
If you’re a teacher who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s time to consider the fact that you could have been exposed to asbestos at your place of employment. While you focus on your treatment, turn some of your attention to your legal rights and the steps you can take to protect them.