Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/477973
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S C O T T B U S C H M A N environmental review and the cleanup process for contaminants that may include arsenic, lead, DDT, PCBs and methane. The DTSC schools program generally doesn't include evaluations inside classrooms (mold, asbestos, lead-based paint, etc.), and interior issues are covered by OSHA, Cal/OSHA or public health agencies. DTSC is currently overseeing more than 80 school projects, and since 2000 has worked on more than 2,300 school projects, of which 10 percent required cleanup before the school could be occupied. Investigating toxics at Lake Elsinore At Elsinore High School, members of the Lake Elsinore Teachers Asso- ciation (LETA) are working closely with district administrators to hold an investigation that will determine why 21 certificated employees — as well as some students — have devel- oped cancer, autoimmune issues, f i b r o m y a l g i a , a n d t h y r o i d a n d other problems. The Lake Elsinore Unified School District first had its insurance carrier look into the situation, but at the urging of LETA, the district hired Health Science Associates, a private environmental firm that will investi- gate school sites, buildings and soil to see if contaminants are present. At this point, the state is not involved. "When something like this pops up, you have to figure out what's going on," says LETA President Bill Cavanaugh. "Everyone at the school has the right to know. An investiga- tion will clear up one way or another whether we're in a bad situation that needs to be fixed — or there's no problem and it's just unfortunate circumstances. Let's take a good hard look at what's happening and see if there's any connection. Either way, people deserve to have a little peace of mind so we can either take action or put the rumors to rest." I M A G I N E R E T U R N I N G F R O M S U M M E R B R E A K and starting the first day of school surrounded by school renovation workers wearing hazmat gear. That's exactly what happened to students and teachers at Mesa View Middle School in Hun- tington Beach in September as a districtwide asbestos scare began to unfold. Although Mesa View was ultimately determined to be safe, asbestos-related issues at other Ocean View School District sites triggered a local firestorm that closed three schools and had parents and educators blasting district officials as the scope of the problem grew. The problem began in July as the district began a $40 million modernization project at 11 sites. Although officials said they were assured that work would be completed by the start of school, the work dragged on, and the dangerous pro- cess of asbestos removal was still going on as students and staff came back from vacation. On the first day of school, the main building of Hope View Elementary filled with what appeared to be smoke. When asked if the fire alarm should be pulled, the principal said that it wasn't smoke, but construction dust. At another site, College View Elementary, the principal advised staff in writing to "bring your dusters" for the start of school. One site administrator relocated her office while leaving clerical staff exposed. The Ocean View Teachers Association was alerted to these problems and immediately began putting pressure on the district to ensure student and staff safety. Reports came in of staff and students suffering from migraines, bloody noses and coughs. Community pressure grew as parents demanded action and answers. OVTA sub- mitted a list of demands that included holding accountable a key administrator who had overseen the project. Finally, over a month later, the school board voted to close three schools. (Initially, they voted to close all 11 under renovation, but after a closed session, they re-emerged and voted to limit the closure.) Oak View Elementary and Hope View Elementary students were relocated to schools in neighboring districts, while Lake View Elementary students remained in Huntington Beach. Approxi- mately 1,600 students were affected. Asbestos is an insulating and fireproofing ma- terial that was widely used in home and building construction for decades. When "friable," meaning easily crumbled, it poses a major health risk as a cause of lung cancer, including an especially virulent kind called mesothelioma. The Ocean View schools had been built with asbestos fireproofing on metal beams over ceilings. Over time dust settled on ceiling tiles — not necessarily a problem until the tiles were disturbed, sending potentially hazardous particles into the air. Testing found unacceptable asbestos levels at the three evacuated schools. In late January, most Oak View students returned to their school, while the other two schools remained closed. Earlier that month, the controversial administrator at the center of the renovation fiasco was placed on leave. Legal recourse for those who were exposed is limited. Generally, one can't sue over exposure unless they can show they have acquired an asbestos-related illness, and the latency period between exposure and illness can be 10 to 40 years. "We hope no one suffers any long-term health consequences over some- thing that should never have happened," says OVTA President Mike Vlachos. "Unfortunately, if something shows up years down the road, the people actu- ally responsible may no longer be with the district, but it's the district that will still be held accountable." HUNTINGTON BEACH a s b e s t o s c a s e s t u d y : By Frank Wells Legal recourse for those exposed is limited. 13 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 7