Flooding at Ohio School Releases Hidden Asbestos - Burst of Ventilator Pipe, Ohio Health Department Intervenes

> Beginning the late 1800s, asbestos was mined and used in many different industries all over North America, especially before the World War II. Examples of industry use include:

- Automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads.
- Building & construction industry uses asbestos for strengthening cement as well as sound absorption, roofing, insulation and fireproofing.
- Shipbuilding industry uses asbestos to insulate hot water pipes, boilers and steampipes... (Read More)

> About 2000 - 4000 Americans are diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma each year, and about 66% of those cases are of Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when Cancer hits the lining of the lungs, also known as the 'Pleura.' The Pleura is a Sac which houses the lungs, and consists of a thin membrane called the 'mesothelium.' The mesothelium is a vital part of the lungs because it enables them to expand and contract when breathing by secreting a fluid. This fluid is located in the lungs and inside of the rib cage. If the Pleura or the Pleural fluid becomes damaged with Cancer, it makes it very hard for the patient to breathe, thus shortness of breath is a common symptom of Pleural mesothelioma... (Read More)

(January 22nd, 2010)

Columbus, Ohio - A ventilator pipe burst at Moler Elementary School, on Moler Road on East side of Columbus, Ohio, flooding 75% of all classrooms. Most parents preferred their kids to stay home for the day. For example, a parent named Jada Oliver received a letter from the school about the flooding and did not send her 5 year old kid, Aliyah, over to school on Wednesday. 10TV News confirmed that the uprooted tiles that were flooded did contain Asbestos, however the parents were not informed via the letter about the Asbestos particles. Jada Oliver quotes, "They're not telling us anything. I just wanted to know - not only for my child - but for the other children that are there, also."

The Ohio Health Department and the School district claimed the Asbestos tiles did not pose any risk to the kids, from asbestos exposure. However, the district ordered an Asbestos abatement company to remove the Asbestos tiles and also conducted air quality tests. The air quality tests did not detect any quantities of Asbestos in the environment or in the building. Jada Oliver said although the school district is doing the right thing by taking precautionary measures, she will not send her kid to school until the environment is safe. She quotes, "I don't want her to have any symptoms, now or later."

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Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma - What is Asbestos, History, Usage, Health Hazards & Risks, Asbestos Related Diseases

Asbestos by definition is the name of several minerals that naturally occur in the environment as bundles of fibers and are separated into thin durable threads. Asbestos fibers are resistant to chemicals, fire & heat and cannot conduct electricity. This is why they are used in many different industries. Asbestos is divided into 2 subgroups; 1) chrysotile belongs to the serpentine minerals group and has curly fibers and 2) amphibole straight, needle-like fibers. More on these subgroups of asbestos is discussed below. Asbestos fibers are known to be a threat to humans and their lungs because once asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs, they form solid malignant tumors that can lead to peritoneal, pleural or pericardial mesothelioma.