Bethlehem, PA VoTech School Releases Asbestos Report

Students and staff exposed to asbestos during renovations at project house in Bethlehem, PA. Even limited or one-time exposure to the dangerous mineral is known to cause serious illnesses do develop many decades after exposure.

Those affected by asbestos disease can obtain more information about their legal options from an asbestos lawyer by completing the form on this page.

On February 3, 2010, The Express Times reported on the investigation into asbestos removal at a project house owned by the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School. In fall 2009, school students performed renovations at the property, where it was later discovered that asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were present.

News reports have not provided information on the amount of asbestos that was present, how the students and staff were exposed, or whether any ACM debris was removed from the property.

The report, was reviewed and discussed at a January 2010 meeting attended by parents, students and teachers.

Short-Term Exposure Puts Students, Faculty at Risk
Those who are exposed to asbestos, even individuals who were only exposed to the dangerous dusts on a very limited basis, are at the same level of risk to develop an asbestos disease as those whose work history meant almost daily exposure to the dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, their sharp, jagged edges cause them to attach to lung tissues when they are inhaled rather than being expelled by coughing or sneezing. Many decades later (known as the asbestos latency periods), the scarring caused by the asbestos fibers can lead to serious, chronic diseases such as emphysema or asbestosis to develop. In more serious cases, the asbestos will trigger the development of abnormal cells, which causes mesothelioma cancer or asbestos-related lung cancer to develop.

While students and teachers are at no immediate risk for disease, their exposure means they will require life-long testing for any changes in their lungs that may mean an asbestos-related disease is present.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.