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asbestos in schools

Hundreds of Schools Still Contain Asbestos

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Asbestos in Schools Pose a Health Threat

Asbestos remains a persistent issue for schools nationwide. Philadelphia is often in the news as more and more schools are closed, and students are disrupted as they are relocated. A recent case involved a local high school that forced students to another facility, angering the community.

Chicago has not escaped unscathed. It has been found that many Chicago schools have tested positive for asbestos, and while school districts are attempting to address the issues, they continue to run into roadblocks.

If building materials containing asbestos deteriorate over time, asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled. This is especially harmful to marginalized communities that lack the resources to clean up the problem.

Inhaling these toxic fibers over a prolonged period can increase the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

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Asbestos & Teachers

Teachers were unwittingly exposed to asbestos for years and put in harm’s way. A 2007 NIOSH report showed that teachers were twice as likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than the average American, and in fact, teachers face a high risk of on-the-job exposure, particularly in schools that were constructed before 1980.

Materials containing asbestos become more dangerous as they deteriorate or get damaged. Research has shown that asbestos exposure is more dangerous the younger a person is, raising concerns over children’s future health.

Materials containing asbestos become more dangerous as they deteriorate or get damaged, and research has shown that asbestos exposure is more dangerous the younger a person is, raising concerns over children's future health.

If a school building was built before the 1980s, it probably contains asbestos. U.S. consumption of asbestos peaked in 1973. Asbestos is highly resistant, so it was used in insulation, drywall, siding, roofing, ceiling tiles, and adhesives. It was also used in books and on chalkboards.

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Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure FAQs

What cancers are linked to asbestos exposure?

Asbestos is highly carcinogenic and has been linked to ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, clubbed fingers, and lung cancer. It is also the only known cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is also limited evidence to suggest a link between asbestos and increased cancer risk of stomach, colorectum, and pharynx cancers.

What causes lung cancer?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. While the number of new lung cancer diagnoses are declining, there is an estimated 226,650 lung cancer cases in the US in 2025.

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and accounts for 80% of lung cancer deaths. Non smokers made up 20% of lung cancer deaths.

However, when it comes to asbestos exposure smoking is only a contributing factor.

Many other environmental factors can increase your risk of lung cancer, including:

  • Radon
  • Secondhand Smoke
  • Asbestos
  • Certain metals
  • Certain organic materials
  • Radiation
  • Air Pollution
  • Diesel Exhaust
  • Family and genetic history
Are mesothelioma and lung cancer the same disease?

No. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, the lining of the abdominal cavity, the lining of the heart, or the lining of the testicles. In contrast, lung cancer originates directly within the lungs.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

The symptoms of lung cancer typically show up once the disease is in an advanced stage.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • Blood when you cough or spit
  • A cough (new or different) that won't go away
  • Chest pain
  • Hoarseness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer spreading to other parts of the body include:

  • Bone pain
  • Headache
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling in the face or neck

If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

What are the treatment options for lung cancer?

Treatment options for asbestos victims typically involve supportive care (to address the symptoms of the disease) and a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for those with a current diagnosis of lung cancer.

If you have been exposed to asbestos or have already received a diagnosis, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and work with an experienced asbestos attorney to ensure that you have the resources you need to continue your treatment.

Asbestos FAQs

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fine, fibrous silicate. There are six types, and each contains similar long, thin fibers. Due to its strong, flexible characteristics, asbestos has been a desirable ingredient in a wide range of compounds. Known to increase durability, resist heat, and absorb sound, asbestos was once referred to as the “miracle mineral.” It was used in nearly everything, from joint compounds to insulation.

In the early 2000s, asbestos suffered a cataclysmic fall from grace. No longer considered the “miracle mineral,” asbestos is now classified as one of the world’s deadliest substances.

There are four types of asbestos:

There are four types of asbestos that have been used commercially:

  • Chrysotile (white) asbestos
  • Crocidolite (blue) asbestos
  • Amosite (brown) asbestos
  • Anthophyllite (gray) asbestos
How was/is asbestos used?

Asbestos dates back to prehistoric times, but became widely used during the Industrial Revolution due to its flexibility and heat-resistant properties.

Past and current products made of asbestos include insulation (pipe, block, and cement); fireproofing acoustical products; textile and cloth products (asbestos gloves, blankets, etc.); joint compounds; gaskets, valves, asbestos-cement pipe and sheet material, ceiling tiles, wallboard, siding, roofing;  and friction materials such as clutches and brakes.

Is asbestos still used today?

Although the harmful effects of asbestos are well know, it is still used in the US today. While the EPA finally banned chrysotile asbestos, the most widely used type, it will take time before it is no longer used in any products. 

How do I know if a product still contains asbestos?

Unless the product you are using is clearly labeled, it can be challenging to determine if it contains asbestos. 

If you have any doubts, cease use of the product immediately. You can have it tested by a professional, but it is advised you avoid handling the sample. 

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos, once hailed as the "miracle mineral," is a highly hazardous substance. It is composed of microscopic needle-like fibers. Because the fibers are so small and light, they can stay in the air for a long time and are not easily detected. When inhaled, the fibers lodge themselves in sensitive tissue and can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other diseases. 

In the U.S., Drs. Lynch and Smith were the first to link asbestos to lung cancer in the 1930s. They noted an excess number of workers with lung cancer from the local asbestos textile plant. By 1942, the then-director of occupational cancer studies at the National Cancer Institute declared that asbestos caused lung cancer.

Mesothelioma cases began to surface in the 1950s, following reports in Germany and the Netherlands. In the 1930s, researchers in South Africa related occurrences of mesothelioma with asbestos exposure, further noting that the cancer was also present in family members of works and communities where asbestos was mined.  

Over the years, other cancers have been linked to asbestos exposure, including laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer (often from talc use), various GI tract cancers (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colorectal cancers), and even kidney cancer. 

Although asbestos is prohibited in numerous countries globally, its harmful impact is far from over. Because of its long latency period, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis will persist in claiming lives and impacting communities around the world.

How was I exposed to asbestos?

Occupational exposure remains the most common way individuals are exposed to asbestos. General, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, bricklayers, ironworkers, and mechanics tend to face the highest risk. Jobs that require mining, pouring, and mixing raw asbestos release deadly clouds of asbestos dust into the air.

Once the toxic fibers are airborne, workers inhale them. Individuals have also been exposed to asbestos while repairing automotive brakes, cutting asbestos-coated cement pipes, and applying spray-on asbestos fireproofing materials.

Individuals have also been exposed to asbestos while repairing automotive brakes, cutting asbestos-coated cement pipes, and applying spray-on asbestos fireproofing materials.

How much asbestos exposure is dangerous?

Unfortunately, there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Inhaling or ingesting any amount can cause the development of harmful and potentially life-ending diseases decades after exposure. 

What occupations had the highest risk for asbestos exposure?

Because asbestos fibers are so small, they are easily dispersed in the air when disrupted. When construction materials are cut or destroyed, the small fibers enter the surrounding air, are breathed in by workers, and then lodge in the lungs, often leading to long-term health problems.

From the 1920s to the 1980s, asbestos was present in thousands of products and job sites. The full list of occupations that were potentially exposed to asbestos is alarming. 

Some of the most common examples of high-and medium-risk asbestos-exposure jobs include:

  • Aircraft Mechanics
  • Boilermakers
  • Bricklayers
  • Carpenters
  • Cement Masons
  • Electricians
  • Elevator Workers
  • Insulators
  • Laborers
  • Metal Workers
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Shipyard Workers
  • Steelworkers

Asbestos Litigation FAQs

Can I file a claim if I was exposed to asbestos decades ago?

Yes. Most states use the date of diagnosis, not the date of exposure, to start the deadline for filing.

What if my employer is no longer in business?

You can still file. In many cases, manufacturers or insurance companies are still responsible

How long does an asbestos exposure case usually take?

It varies. Some cases settle within a few months, while others take longer depending on the evidence and court schedule.

Can family members file claims for secondhand exposure?

Yes. Spouses and children who were exposed through work clothes may also have a valid claim.

How much is my asbestos-related lung cancer claim worth?

While our attorneys cannot promise you a specific recovery amount, our experience handling asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma lawsuits has given us ample reason to believe firmly that you can achieve a higher settlement amount when working with an experienced lawyer.

Your compensation will depend on several factors.

  • The Severity of the Illness: Generally, more severe conditions like mesothelioma may command higher compensation than less severe ailments.
  • The Degree of Defendant’s Negligence: The more negligent the responsible party, the higher the potential damages.
  • The Financial Burden Incurred: The tangible economic losses faced by the victim play a pivotal role in determining compensation.

For those affected by asbestos-related diseases, understanding the landscape of compensation and damages is crucial. By securing adequate compensation, victims can find some relief from the financial stress of their condition, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being. An experienced attorney can guide victims through this process, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.

How long do I have to file a claim related to my lung cancer from asbestos exposure?

Each jurisdiction has a time frame, known as the statute of limitations, within which a victim can file an asbestos-related claim. It’s vital for victims to act promptly to ensure their right to compensation is preserved.

Who qualifies to file a lawsuit for asbestos-related lung cancer?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, and can trace their disease back to asbestos exposure, typically qualify to file a lawsuit. Building a strong compensation claim normally involves evidence of a lung cancer diagnosis and asbestos exposure. Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys know where to look for this evidence and how to compile our findings into an airtight claim.

Can I file a claim for a loved one who passed away from an asbestos related disease?

Yes, if a loved one has passed away from an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to file a claim on their behalf. Often referred to as a “wrongful death” lawsuit, these claims are typically filed by immediate family members such as spouses, children, or the estate of the deceased.

This process aims to secure compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related damages. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney experienced in asbestos lawsuits to understand the specifics and navigate the complexities of such a claim, as well as to ensure timely filing within your state’s statute of limitations.

Can I file a claim if I was exposed to asbestos decades ago?

Yes. Most states use the date of diagnosis, not the date of exposure, to start the deadline for filing.

What if my employer is no longer in business?

You can still file. In many cases, manufacturers or insurance companies are still responsible

What is asbestos trust fund?

Many companies that manufactured and installed products containing asbestos have established asbestos trust funds. They did this after declaring bankruptcy. They were created after mounting mesothelioma lawsuits forced them to declare bankruptcy. As a condition of their bankruptcy protection, they were created to manage current and future claims. 

It is estimated that the current amount in the bankruptcy trust funds is between $25 and $30 billion. Payouts can range from $7,000 to $1.2 million. 

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