Many of the schools throughout Ohio have been attended by generations of family members. This often spawns many trips down memory lane as older family members tell tales of their time in those schools to younger generations. What many of them may not realize, though, is that because of the age of those buildings, children could be at risk for asbestos exposure.
The recent asbestos issues at the White House have rekindled concern over this problem. While some may recognize that the buildings their children are in for several hours a week may contain asbestos, it is also possible that some of their school supplies could also provide similar dangers. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Consumer Watchdog team found the toxic substance in crayons sold at a popular discount store.
Even so, the larger danger remains the school buildings themselves. Many schools across the country struggle to keep up with the potential exposure to asbestos as more of these older facilities require repairs and renovations. Most institutions downplay this hazard to the health of the children who attend the schools, but that does not change the fact that it exists. If not handled properly, this known human carcinogen could end up in the bodies of some children.
Supposedly, there are acceptable levels of asbestos exposure, but any amount of contact could prove harmful. There really is not a solid way to know whether some exposure is okay since it can take decades for symptoms to appear. Ohio parents who believe their children were put in harm’s way due to this toxic material could benefit from gaining an understanding of their rights and possible options for legal action should the need arise.
