Pittsburgh contains many schools — some public, others non-profit or parochial. The city itself and surrounding suburbs are beautiful and often include older buildings with intricate architecture that attracts artists and casual tourists who simply enjoy looking at old structures that have a lot of woodwork and complex designs.
Sadly, however, if your child attends a Pennsylvania school, he or she may be at risk for asbestos exposure. Your school officials have hopefully executed a solid asbestos management plan. If you have no idea what that means, it’s a good idea to learn more and also to know how to protect your rights and keep your child as healthy as possible, especially if a problem arises.
Does your school have an AMP?
As a parent, it’s understandable that you worry about certain issues that place your child at risk during school hours. Nowadays, parents often worry about national emergencies, as well as bullying and other prominent issues of our times. Your child’s school may also have hidden health risks, and the following information may be useful as you do your best to avoid problems and to address any that have already arisen:
- Your child’s school has an obligation to devise an asbestos management plan and also keep a record of the plan on file.
- Such a plan must include recommended asbestos response actions.
- An AMP must also state whether there are currently any areas of the school containing asbestos.
- The plan was also to contain written documentation regarding any and all actions taken to repair or remove materials containing asbestos on school grounds.
There are several types of asbestos, so the school your child attends should have on record what exact type of asbestos (if any) has been located on school property. Dates of original and subsequent inspections should be on file as well. As a parent, you have a right to stay informed in conjunction with any inspection, news or action involving an asbestos situation at your child’s school.
If your child gets ill
Symptoms of asbestos illness often take a while to show up because the infections and illnesses associated with asbestos are often slow to develop in the human body. If, for instance, your child has trouble breathing, a lingering cough or chest pain, or feels fatigued or lethargic, it definitely warrants a medical examination. If you suspect your child is dealing with an exposure to asbestos at school, you should immediately tell his or her doctor, as well as school officials.