School Safety 101: Identifying the Hidden Threats of Legionella, Asbestos, and Lead
- By: Dr. Michael Berg
- Tags: Asbestos, Drinking Water, Lead, Legionella, Schools
As schools across the country gear up for the new academic year, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff is paramount. In school safety discussions, it can be easy to overlook hidden dangers. Among the foremost concerns in today’s schools are the threats posed by Legionella, asbestos, and lead.
The Re-emergence of Legionella
Legionnaire’s disease is a severe type of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacterium, which thrives in freshwater systems. The disease can be contracted by inhaling water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria. In recent years, cases of Legionnaire’s disease in the United States have been steadily rising, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noting an increase of over 500% in reported cases since 2000.
School systems, especially those in older buildings with aging drinking water infrastructure, can become breeding grounds for Legionella. This is particularly an issue during summer breaks when prolonged periods of inactivity lead to stagnant water with reduced levels of residual disinfectant. Together with temperatures conducive to bacterial growth, Legionella bacteria thrive and multiply. When water systems are brought back online, changes in water pressure can dislodge the bacteria and release them into the school’s drinking water.
High concentrations of Legionella bacteria in water systems are one of the contributing factors that increase the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease. In particular, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and those with preexisting lung conditions are at the greatest risk. Exposed individuals can become sick if the water is accidentally inhaled (aspirated). In addition, aerosolized droplets from showers, cooling towers, and other water structures can spread the disease when inhaled.
Asbestos: The Problem that Won’t Go Away
Until the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in building materials due to its strength, insulating properties, and resistance to fire. When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne. If inhaled, these fibers pose severe health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), all primary and secondary schools in the United States are required to inspect their buildings for asbestos, develop comprehensive asbestos management plans, and implement measures to reduce the potential release of asbestos fibers. After the initial inspection, schools must conduct re-inspections every three years.
Dust sampling and analysis can reveal the presence of asbestos and help in formulating an action plan to manage or remove asbestos materials safely. In addition, when developing plans to reduce the potential release of asbestos fibers, school administrators should consider any construction or remodeling plans. These projects can disturb older asbestos-containing materials, such as floor tiles, pipes, and insulation, and warrant more frequent inspections.
On-Demand Webinar: Asbestos in Settled Dust
Although less well known, older plumbing systems can be a source of asbestos. Until the 1980s, asbestos cement (AC) pipes were often a preferred choice for water systems in the U.S. due to their lighter weight, durability, and corrosion resistance. Over time, these pipes deteriorate and can release asbestos fibers into the water supply. While the dangers of ingesting asbestos by drinking water is less clear compared to inhaling asbestos fibers, these fibers can lodge into digestive tissues, potentially leading to future health issues.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the presence of asbestos in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), with a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) established to minimize potential health risks. Most of these pipes are under the jurisdiction of local water utilities that are responsible for regular monitoring to ensure asbestos levels comply with regulatory standards. While this means most school systems probably do not need to test for asbestos in their water systems, they may want to request a copy of the test results from the local water utility if they don’t already have it on file.
The Persistent Challenge of Lead in Water Systems
Lead contamination in drinking water presents another persistent health concern, particularly in older schools. Lead can leach into a building’s drinking water from plumbing materials and fixtures, especially where lead service lines—the pipes that connect a building to the main water supply—are still in use. Despite recent efforts to replace lead service lines across the country, many schools continue to operate with aging infrastructure, posing an ongoing risk of lead exposure to children, for whom lead is particularly harmful.
Are You Ready for the New School Year?
As we look toward the start of another school year, testing for Legionella, asbestos, and lead can help school administrators provide parents, staff, and students with peace of mind and focus on what truly matters—the education and development of students in a safe, secure learning environment. To learn more about testing for Legionella, asbestos, and lead or to request a quote, reach out to us.
