Philadelphia – Two schools in the city will remain off for an unknown amount of time due to asbestos concerns. Students of Benjamin Franklin High School and Science Leadership Academy will be relocated due to asbestos exposure reasons. There will be leaves for students on Monday and Tuesday. Both the school are closed on Wednesday for Yom Kippur and on Thursday, students of both the schools will be relocated.
Philadelphia School District Superintendent William Hite said that there is no other option until the construction is completed and it is safe for children to return. It is seeming to be very frustrating and irritating for the students and their parents.
There is a way that is shared by both the schools and this way is uncovering the asbestos exposure due to ductwork in the boiler room. Staff and students of the schools had not visited the building since last Friday. On Wednesday of this week, 12 samples were taken from the building and submitted for lab testing. The boiler room, located in the sub-basement floor of the building will be sealed off from the rest of the building. Teachers and students are in fear that there could be more uncovered asbestos. And many mesothelioma lawyer are coming forward to help anyone that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos concern from Benjamin Franklin High School has been rising for 18 months. This is not expected because there is a presence of children. Parents are finding the decision of closing schools right in light of the health and safety risks for all those in the building. The schools don’t have such a place where they can teach students. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to the students who are in need on Monday and Tuesday.