Asbestos is the name for six different naturally occurring fibrous minerals. It has been used since the turn of the 20th century in many ways – as insulation, in clothing, plastics, paper, tiles, piping, and even cement. The purpose of adding asbestos to these items was to make them stronger.

Unfortunately, while asbestos has shown many benefits, it is also a hazardous mineral for humans. It causes a rare and deadly form of cancer called mesothelioma.

Danger to Universities Across the US

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there are materials containing asbestos in most of the country’s educational institutions. The University of Cincinnati, Akron University as well as Kent State University has already faced legal action for putting their students, faculty, and staff at risk of asbestos exposure.

The research done by the EPA shows that all campus buildings constructed before 1986 – before the AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) law was passed – contain enough asbestos to be dangerous, leading to millions of the country’s students, teachers and supporting staff at risk.

Steps Taken to Protect Students, Teachers, and Staff Against Asbestos Exposure

Because of the increased awareness of what prolonged exposure to asbestos can do to the human body, universities have now instituted asbestos management clauses written into their employees as well as student handbooks.

Since asbestos is only dangerous if it is disturbed, many universities across the country have adopted a policy of coexistence with the deadly mineral. This is because the task of removing all that asbestos would not only be cripplingly expensive but would also lead to the mineral being disturbed and then becoming a health hazard.

However, the challenge is that when maintenance crews are not aware of where the asbestos is located on campus, they could inadvertently disturb the material and cause an asbestos hazard emergency.

Other universities have created more stringent indoor air quality programs. California State University, Fullerton, has, in fact, created a complete policy about maintaining standards of air quality to ensure the safety of those on campus. Besides this air quality program, the university also has a separate program that only focuses on asbestos management.

An annual report is released about asbestos management on campus, and the asbestos management program clearly outlines all steps that need to be taken to mitigate exposure to asbestos on the university’s campus.

Compensation for Victims of Mesothelioma

Teachers, staff, and maintenance crews that have been working for years in the older buildings on campus are the ones that are most at risk of developing mesothelioma. In fact, according to data from the NCHS (National Center for Health Statistics), educational institutions in the US have ranked second concerning the number of deaths caused by mesothelioma.

As mentioned earlier, while the complete removal of asbestos from all campus structures in most universities may not be possible, it is the universities’ responsibility to warn everyone of the risks of exposure to asbestos.

If any student, teacher, or staff of a university who has developed mesothelioma, then they have the right to legal action against the institution. They can hire mesothelioma lawyers to help them with their case against the university.

Ensuring Student, Teacher and Staff Safety

It is the responsibility of all universities to ensure the safety of their community from such deadly diseases as mesothelioma. This disease is one of the most painful cancers and is fatal. By not ensuring that safety standards against asbestos exposure are maintained, a university is culpable for the deaths of its students, teachers, or staff who develop this deadly disease.