Asbestos is a human carcinogen. It has a scientifically established correlation with increased risk of cancer development. It can also cause other serious medical issues, such as asbestosis, which is a chronic respiratory condition.
Many people fall ill after asbestos exposure at work, often decades after they handled asbestos. Others can end up sickened by contaminated consumer products, such as talc powder. Historically, asbestos was popular for many different building purposes, as it is a fire retardant and an excellent insulator. Unfortunately, the widespread use of asbestos in prior decades might lead to teachers and students falling ill due to asbestos exposure in public school buildings.
The state tests school buildings
Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees efforts to test school facilities for asbestos contamination. The EPD helps ensure that school districts across the state comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). They also assist school districts with remediation efforts.
Unfortunately, by the time regulatory officials learn about asbestos at a school, thousands of children and dozens of professionals may have experienced unsafe levels of exposure. They may be at risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious medical issues. In cases where educational professionals or public school graduates can connect a cancer diagnosis to asbestos in a school building, they may be able to seek compensation for their treatment expenses, lost wages and other expenses.
Working with an experienced asbestos lawyer can help concerned individuals evaluate their options after a cancer diagnosis that likely relates to asbestos exposure. Identifying the source of exposure is often the first step toward accountability and appropriate financial support for those affected.