Custodian Exposes Asbestos Work in School

Article Added December 5th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

A custodian in Queens has said that the school he works for was conducting illegal asbestos renovations. He also states that since coming forward, his boss has been out to get him.

A custodian at P.S. 181 in Queens was put in an uncomfortable situation over asbestos. When his superior told him to replace asbestos tiles in the school, the custodian refused. He remembered a class where the instructor stated the dangers of unlicensed asbestos work. After that, the superior replaced the tiles himself, which the custodian documented with photos. After bringing the photos to the district superintendent, the custodian was told that he could be fired if he continued to raise an issue over the asbestos work.

Since then, the custodian has hired a lawyer. It was found that the license allowing asbestos work to be done in the school district had not been renewed in April. Further investigation is continuing, while the school district refuses to give a statement on the issue. The improper handling of asbestos can result in asbestos fibers being released into the air. This is a safety concern, since asbestos fibers can be breathed in and result in respiratory diseases, including emphysema and mesothelioma. School officials have noted that no students or faculty were in any danger.

Article Added December 5th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story