Philadelphia Schools Temporarily Close as Asbestos Spreads: Two More Buildings Affected

Philadelphia schools Asbestos Mitchell School

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Apr 10, 05:01 am

Photo: (Photo : William Thomas Cain /Getty Images)

Two more Philadelphia schools are closing due to the detected asbestos exposure in the building walls.

The School District of Philadelphia has confirmed that two of its buildings, Mitchell Elementary and Frankford High School, are closing temporarily and for the rest of the school year, respectively, due to asbestos. The announcement came after new rounds of testing revealed that plaster previously labeled safe had traces of the toxic mineral.

Closure of Two Philadelphia Schools

According to Fox29, on Friday afternoon, April 7, a letter was sent to families of Mitchell School, located in southwest Philadelphia, announcing the closure of the school for the rest of the 2022-2023 school year.

The letter explained that the decision was taken due to the presence of asbestos in the plaster on the walls and above the ceiling tiles. School officials have scheduled virtual learning for Mitchell students from Tuesday, April 11, to Friday, April 14.

The school officials aim to locate an alternate facility for the affected students to resume their academic year. They anticipate that the new facility will be available either by Monday, April 17, or Monday, April 24. The district has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of students and staff, acknowledging the concern and questions that may arise from the new information.

The announcement has left many parents and students unsure about their next steps. Furthermore, in the same school district, Frankford High School is also affected by the asbestos discovery. The school will shift to virtual learning next week. The district has not announced when the school will reopen for in-person learning.

ABC News reported that among the buildings in the School District of Philadelphia that have been affected by asbestos are Mitchell Elementary and Frankford High School, which happen to be some of the oldest structures in the area.

Despite records from the 1990s indicating that the plaster in most of the buildings was asbestos-free, new inspections and sampling by inspectors have revealed the presence of asbestos in certain plaster walls and ceilings.

The district is puzzled as to why the recent findings contradict the historical records. Furthermore, the discovery comes after earlier reports of asbestos being found in two other district-managed buildings with incomplete or inaccurate records.

Asbestos and Health Risks

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is commonly used in building materials and other products because of its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire.

However, inhaled asbestos fibers become trapped in the body, causing various health problems. Healthcare providers usually identify the possibility of asbestos exposure and related health conditions by taking a thorough medical history.

As per the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung disease, and smoking can worsen the effects. The greater the exposure to asbestos, the higher the chances of developing harmful health effects. Symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may take years to appear following exposure.

Asbestos exposure is associated with several health effects, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin lining of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart. Additionally, the Mesothelioma Center states that over 50 other countries have banned the use of asbestos due to its health hazards. However, its use remains legal in the US despite a complicated history of legislation and regulation.

The recent closure of two schools in Philadelphia due to asbestos contamination highlights the need for regular inspections and updates on the safety of buildings. The district has taken steps to ensure the safety of students and staff by closing affected buildings, but the impact of the closure on students' education is yet to be determined.

Asbestos exposure poses a significant health risk, and it is vital to take the necessary precautions to prevent its spread and protect the health of the community.