Asbestos in Schools
In CONNECTICUT, a contractor had a scare in late September 2008 when working at Bethel High School. He had gotten a powdery substance, which appeared to be asbestos, on his shirt,. As a result, the school was contacted and subsequently shut down, sending students and staff home.
The mysterious material on the contractor’s shirt turned out to be a non-asbestos modern fireproofing material called Blaze Shield. Blaze Shield and asbestos are virtually identical without microscopic analysis. A thorough study of the sample was made to ensure that the material was not the dangerous substance, asbestos, which it turned out not to be. The decision to err on the side of caution was made by The Morganti Group. It was a prudent move given the history of the school and the $1.2 million already spent in asbestos abatement at the high school campus.
School Superintendent Gary Chesley praised the choice, even if it seemed that the school was needlessly closed. Superintendent Chesley has told the public that all contractors have been educated about the presence of Blaze Shield to prevent future fears.
In COOK COUNTY, IL, September 2008 flooding has forced an emergency meeting of the East Main District 63’s school board to begin taking measures against asbestos discovered in waterlogged carpets at Gemini Junior High.
Damaged carpet removal at the school revealed asbestos-containing glue had been holding it down. Air quality tests showed that the air met safety standards, but the exposed asbestos must be removed in accordance with the law.
To remedy the problem, the Superintendent urged the school board to have the asbestos completely removed rather than just covered. This would eliminate the need to worry about it in the future, even though it is the more costly choice. By an unanimous vote, the school board approved the idea and permitted the superintendent to meet with contractors to undertake the task.
While cost estimates are unknown, the state has given verbal approval for financial assistance in paying to have the asbestos removed from the school.
Until the job is finished, students have been bussed to other campuses where they are in makeshift classrooms.
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