Asbestos Scare at San Gabriel High School Classroom

 

JANELLE ZAVALETA Staff Writer

 

On September 17, San Gabriel High School had an asbestos scare in one of the rooms frequently used by the football team. Asbestos is a silicate mineral that is often used in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation of buildings, roofing materials and water supply lines. The school’s principal, Debbie Stone, sent a letter out to inform the staff that asbestos tiles were found on campus. Floor tiles and ceiling tiles containing asbestos always need to be sealed so asbestos fibers will not be released. Tiles can sometimes be loosened, however, by physical impact.

“The football players’ cleats likely loosened the tiles,” Alhambra Unified School District spokesperson Toby Gilbert said.

She also added that at no point was any person in danger. On September 21, a licensed industrial hygienist inspected the room and it was cleared; the floors just needed to be waxed again. If properly sealed off by tiles and other materials, asbestos floors are not usually considered harmful.

However, the use of asbestos is still common in many products since it was regulated by the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) and the Clean Air Act of 1970. Asbestos can cause health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. In some cases, past exposure to asbestos can even lead to death. Since San Gabriel High is part of the Alhambra Unified School District, the district may worry for the safety of students at other schools, including Alhambra High, in case there may be similar issues. Even though the specialist confirmed the room was cleared and able to use, the football team has temporarily been switched to another classroom. By making this decision, the district is trying to keep the health of the students in mind.