Asbestos leak leads to quarantine (Fictional)

Sparta High School Assistant Principal Dale Stafslien announced that a asbestos leak has occurred in room 403, which is the room occupied by school Troy Tiedens. He Also announced that quarantine of 24 hours would be put in place for those involved.

the outbreak occurred after a tile was broken open after a desk was thrown on top of it. Once broken, dangerous fibers, believed to be asbestos fibers, were released into the air.

The major concern surrounding the outbreak is the effects of Asbestos on the lungs. Asbestos particles are actually fibers that collect on the inside of your lungs. Prolonged exposure to the fibers can start to form a layer, or a coating in your lungs, eventually shrinking the size of your lungs. This can also lead to a very rare and untreatable form of cancer called Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is usually contracted by mine workers or those who help in the making of asbestos based materials in which they are exposed to the dangerous fibers. However, it can be obtained if a seal is broken on the product that is being used and sufficient amounts of fiber is released into the air.

The side effects of Mesothelioma has been know for the last twenty years, since about 1989. The school, and many other, had willingly replaced many of the asbestos holding materials. The gym was completely redone to minimize the amount of asbestos around, and the ceiling were changed as well. However, the tiles on the floors were not changed, for the reason that normal classroom activity will not cause a tile to break nd release the harmful chemicals.

CJ Anderson

When asked about the quarantine, Stafslien said that the students and teacher were put into it to to ensure their safety, and to test to make sure they don't have any fibers in their lungs, or that they get medical treatment. Also, officials were unsure of exactly where the outbreak happened, so they want to make sure no further contamination occurred.

Stafslien also went on to say that the school will cover any medical bills that are accumulated due to this incident. However, he also stated that if Asthma or regular smoke inhalation, second hand or first hand, would mean that the school was not liable for any medical expenses, for the asbestos was in no way related to the preexisting condition or lifestyle choice.

The students and their teacher will be released tomorrow after the 24 hour quarantine ends, and school will continue as planned.