Asbestos Exposure in Teachers

Teachers Roles and Responsibilities

Teachers are responsible for teaching students, of course, so it seems somewhat unlikely that they would come into contact with asbestos during their careers.

However, many teachers work in schools that are run-down or in need of repair, yet go above and beyond to keep their classrooms neat and tidy.

One teacher admitted to re-fitting ceiling tiles when they became loose to avoid the asbestos dust contaminating the classroom. This would have, hopefully, protected her students, but she could have put herself at risk of inhaling the fibers.

School teachers are also responsible for the decoration of their classrooms to a certain extent. All display boards and walls are generally adorned with drawings and resources and pinned in place by the teachers themselves.

Many cork boards in classrooms were also made using asbestos as a binding ingredient, placing teachers and students in close contact with dangerous fibers.

Teachers and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs when particles of asbestos are inhaled and become embedded in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Over time, asbestos fibers trigger mutations in healthy cells, which form into tumors that spread to distant sites.

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to control and it requires aggressive and comprehensive treatment plans.

Since 2001, 205 teachers in the UK have died from mesothelioma, though because this figure only includes those under the age of 75, the real number is estimated to be higher.

Compensation for Teachers

If you’re a teacher and believe that your mesothelioma diagnosis was due to occupational asbestos exposure throughout your teaching career, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses and a loss of income.

Our Justice Support Team can tell you more about receiving financial compensation and medical treatment. See all the ways we can help you today.