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They inhaled asbestos for decades on the job. Now, workers break their silence

To this day, the U.S. allows hundreds of tons of asbestos to flow in each year from Brazil, primarily for the benefit of two major chemical companies, OxyChem and Olin Corp.

By NPR

Updated: 2020-10-01 05:13:00

Former Scranton school officials charged over lead, asbestos contamination

A grand jury report unsealed Wednesday and obtained by The Associated Press says that officials in the Scranton School District were repeatedly told about dangerous lead levels in drinking water in at least 10 different schools.

By Michael Rubinkam/Associated Press

Cancer-stricken teacher settles with Philly school district for $850k

Philadelphia’s teachers union heavily publicized Lea DiRusso’s diagnosis last fall, accelerating a public pressure campaign that has resulted in 10 Philadelphia schools being temporarily closed this school year alone.

By Avi Wolfman-Arent/Keystone Crossroads

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Lead, asbestos contamination shuts down Pennsylvania schools

Students at three Pennsylvania schools had been told to stay home amid concerns over lead and asbestos contamination.

By Michael Rubinkam/Associated Press

Wolf wants to set aside a billion dollars to clean up schools

The governor says he’s planning to include the pitch in next week’s budget address, along with several other lead and asbestos-remediation plans.

By Katie Meyer/WITF


‘We are not crying wolf’: Philly teachers union to sue district over asbestos, other hazards

The union representing Philadelphia public school teachers says it will sue the school district over its handling of asbestos, lead and mold problems that has shuttered schools and sparked a backlash from parents.

By Nicholas Pugliese/WHYY

‘Egregious breach’ leads to another Philly school closure for asbestos

Two days after district officials deemed Alexander McClure Elementary safe to reopen, in a whiplash-inducing development, the school has been closed again due to fears over asbestos exposure.

By Avi Wolfman-Arent/Keystone Crossroads

New year opens with protests, concerns about health conditions in Philadelphia schools

Lou Fantini, a social studies teacher, said safe buildings were a social justice issue and that Philadelphia students deserve safe buildings “like in the suburbs.”

By Avi Wolfman-Arent/Keystone Crossroads and Dale Mezzacappa/Philadelphia Public School Notebook
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