Asbestos News

A recent report claims that a number of schools in South Korea have elevated levels of asbestos.

The government says that eight schools have been found that have too much of the hazardous substance, according to the Hankyoreh.

The asbestos was found in the gymnasiums of facilities ranging from high schools to elementary schools. In addition, a number of the schools had higher than normal levels of asbestos in the classrooms.

Asbestos in schools is highly dangerous as the naturally occurring substance can cause a number of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Often times these diseases don't manifest symptoms until years or decades after exposure, meaning that children who are exposed to asbestos now may not realize they have been harmed until they reach their 30s.

Fortunately, risk assessments at some of the schools showed that there has been no confirmed health effects on students.

Jo Chang-su, who heads a parent committee at one of the schools, says that the issue has not been handled properly.

"The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology needs to apologize and come up with preventive measures, such as cancer insurance," Jo told the news provider.