Universities Under Scrutiny for Asbestos Exposures
In the past week, two different universities, the University of Central Oklahoma and University of Wisconsin, have faced inquiries about possible asbestos exposures that could have occurred when both schools faced leaks in their ceilings. UCO made immediate repairs during the holiday break so as to ensure the premises were vacated and decrease risk of anyone not properly protected from being exposed. UW does not seem to have taken such measures, and yet still claim to have operated in a manner where no exposure occurred.
Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry because it was easily available, cost effective, and highly insulating. Thousands of building products contain asbestos. Any building, and especially schools, built before the 1980’s can be assumed to contain asbestos materials. Asbestos was commonly used as pipe covering and ceiling panels as insulation and fire proofing. Any damage caused by leaks is likely to create a risk that the asbestos in such materials becomes airborne.
Asbestos, once released into the air, can be inhaled and cause a serious and fatal disease called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that begins in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, yet does not usually fully develop into symptoms until decades after initial exposure.
Federal government regulations now exist to try to protect workers from being exposed to asbestos. Some states have added their own guidelines. All kindergarten through twelfth grade schools must have an established asbestos management plan. Some local agencies have similar requirements for other types of buildings known to be heavily used by the public, such as universities.
Officials from both UW and UOC are claiming to have followed all appropriate asbestos containment and safety mandates once the leaks occurred. Others are calling for stricter measures and air quality tests to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.
