Colorado school to close because of mesothelioma-causing asbestos
Grace Best Elementary School in Monument, Colorado is slated to be closed as a cost-cutting measure for the Lewis-Palmer School District. Some residents are unhappy about the closure, as the high achieving school was close enough for many children to walk without having to ride the bus or catch a ride in from their parents. When the school closes, these children will have to be bussed or driven to neighboring suburban schools.
The school was chosen for closure because it is one of the district’s oldest school buildings. In order to perform renovations to the building, asbestos abatement would likely be necessary. It can be very expensive to have asbestos removed, as the process is regulated by the government. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to a number of serious illnesses like mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. In an editorial, one resident argued that it would be better and less costly to cover asbestos in plastic during renovations, making Grace Best less of a financial liability to the district, but that the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 took away that option. It should be noted, however, that even encapsulated asbestos can become airborne in the case of a fire or repairs and maintenance that do not take the asbestos into account.
For the full story, go to The Gazette.
