Overview

Asbestos in the Schools opens with a brief overview of the history of asbestos, its use in industry and as a fire retardant, and the discovery of occupational hazards associated with asbestos dust airborne. A description of the key terms related to the topic follows. The authors can turn to the statistical analyses and legal matters and explain their implications to the problem of asbestos in the schools. The following chapter considers the class action suit against the asbestos industry, the legal aspects of asbestos removal, the exposure of school authorities to legal action, personal exposure of school board members, and the contractor's exposure. The authors assert that while the real risks to students and teachers from asbestos is minimal the legal risks to school administrators and trustees from their actions and/or inactions are real. The concluding chapters take the reader from step-by-step through the abatement process and review the financial costs associated with asbestos removal. The authors conclude with a commentary on several ethical questions raised by the issue of asbestos in schools.