Case in point: a campaign is underway in Wales to warn the public of the dangers of asbestos in the schools there. Right To Know: Asbestos in Schools Wales is sounding the alarm that asbestos regulations issued in England may not apply to Wales, according to Wales Online.
The Right to Know campaign is calling on Welsh government leaders to set up a national database that registers asbestos in schools throughout Wales. Under the proposal, parents would be able to access the registry online to see if asbestos is present in any school and whether an up-to-date management plan exists for schools that contain the material.
Wales Online reports the group chose to act following the closure of a Welsh school last fall after a report revealed that students were at risk of exposure to the asbestos, which can cause malignant mesothelioma if inhaled.
Teachers are also concerned about the presence of asbestos in schools around the United Kingdom (U.K.). As reported in Morning Star Online, the U.K.'s National Union of Teachers is demanding urgent action over what they feel is an inadequate response by the government to the problem of asbestos in schools. Over 250 U.K. teachers have died from mesothelioma since 1980.
In the United States, asbestos in schools is also still a major cause for concern. Asbestos may be found within a school's acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, fireproofing, roofing, flooring, and other materials. Until asbestos in schools is eliminated entirely, it will continue to pose a potential health hazard to children and teachers.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Call the Sokolove Law for a free case evaluation today and learn more about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.