In Minnesota and across the country, there are undoubtedly some jobs that are more dangerous than others. Teaching in a local elementary or high school would not typically be considered a profession that includes a high risk for personal injury. As made evident by a teacher’s current health condition in another state, however, it appears mesothelioma and other asbestos exposure injuries are of great concern.
Many school buildings in this state were erected long ago. The ceiling tiles, insulation and flooring in such buildings often contain asbestos. There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure.
A school in Pennsylvania has been closed indefinitely due to asbestos issues. At least nine schools in a different city in the same state have also been shut down for similar reasons. In fact, a teacher from the largest district in that state is currently undergoing treatment for mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that she may have contracted in the workplace. A spokesperson for the American Federation of Teachers in Pennsylvania said students and faculty are being poisoned when they walk into their school buildings due to lack of oversight and proper tracking of possible asbestos problems in schools throughout the state.
The federal government requires education officials in Minnesota and all other states to provide proper information and training to keep teachers safe from asbestos exposure on the job. Symptoms of mesothelioma often remain hidden for years after an initial exposure. Any faculty member, parent or other adult who has questions regarding asbestos exposure may address their concerns by scheduling a consultation with a personal injury attorney who has experience in asbestos litigation.
