Philadelphia Schools Shut Down Due to Asbestos Exposure

The discovery of asbestos has recently forced two Philadelphia-area schools to temporarily close its doors. The asbestos was discovered after environmental walkthroughs were performed at the shared campus of Benjamin Franklin High School and the Science Leadership Academy. After certain insulation was inspected in the boiler rooms, it was determined that there were indeed traces of asbestos. Smaller traces of the dangerous substance were also found in a common area. The schools were closed for a few days for further testing and removal and would wait for evaluation before reopening.

The Philadelphia school district encountered issues with asbestos and lead-based paint in their buildings before. Recently, a teacher who spent over three decades of her life at William M. Meredith Elementary had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the deadly lung cancer closely associated with long term exposure to asbestos. This triggered the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers to call for the immediate elimination of asbestos and lead-based paint in all buildings used by the Philadelphia school district.

The school district assured parents and the city that, although there are many buildings that are old and may contain these dangerous substances, they are regularly and closely monitored so that faculty and students are safe. They have completed hundreds of asbestos removal projects across the district, with the majority of the 220 city schools being over 70 years old. The district has set aside over $20 million specifically for the removal of asbestos but acknowledged that it could take more money and urgency to completely remove asbestos from the schools.

Asbestos History

Asbestos was a commonly used substance in several industries decades ago, particularly in buildings and insulation. It has since been outlawed in many parts of the country, but its existence is still found, especially in older cities like Philadelphia. Mesothelioma is hard to diagnose and even harder to treat. A complete diagnosis of the disease takes several years, if not decades to uncover, and the survival rate of those diagnosed is less than 50 percent. By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed in a patient, treatment may be too late, as the cancer moves aggressively through one’s lungs. Doctors and researchers have worked throughout the years to find better treatments for this deadly disease.

Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Fight for Those Suffering from Asbestos-Related Diseases

Mesothelioma is a dangerous cancer that has claimed the lives of many exposed to asbestos. If you or a family member was exposed to asbestos or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or a similar disease, then contact the Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler right away. Our experienced lawyers will fight for the highest compensation you and your family deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 215-569-4000 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.