Bat Yam Schools Face Asbestos Exposure Risk -- MesoLink.org -- 06-15-04

An investigation by the Environmental Ministry in Israel has highlighted the dangers of asbestos exposure within schools in Bat Yam, which is south of Tel Aviv. It was discovered that asbestos products were in use within most of the schools in the area, and that nearly ninety percent of asbestos surfaces in the schools posed a threat.

The study concluded that urgent repairs and action was required in order to prevent any further health risks or damage. Risks of exposure were found in 61 out of the 76 schools tested, and in some places the material had deteriorated to such an extent that crack had appeared, increasing the likelihood of airborne asbestos fibres.

The Environmental Ministry, along with the Teacher’s Federation and the municipality of Bat Yam shared the finding of the investigation last month, and plans must now be formulated to repair the damage. Speedy action will be required in order to prevent any more risk to students than has already been posed.

Asbestos is the known cause of a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma, and people can contract this disease through breathing in airborne asbestos fibres and particles. The cancer can affect the heart, lungs or abdomen, and there is no long-term treatment or cure for malignant mesothelioma. The disease may not manifest for thirty years or more, which means that the students at these schools may contract mesothelioma from breathing in asbestos fibres but may not realise the consequences until they are middle-aged or older.