Teacher Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Asbestos-Related Cancer

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News Summary

A teacher alleges hazardous asbestos exposure in a school caused her appendix cancer and has filed a lawsuit against the Burlington Township School District.

Teacher Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Asbestos-Related Cancer

A veteran educator has taken legal action against the Burlington Township School District, alleging that hazardous asbestos exposure at B. Bernice Young Elementary School is the cause of her serious medical condition. Rachel Tyler, a 54-year-old teacher from Robbinsville, was diagnosed with appendix cancer in August 2024, a shocking revelation that has turned her life upside down. Tyler, alongside her husband Stephen, filed a lawsuit on January 30, 2024, in the Burlington County Superior Court, seeking both punitive and compensatory damages from the district.

The Allegations of Concealment and Negligence

The crux of the lawsuit is a claim that the school district not only failed to adequately protect its staff from the dangers of asbestos but also concealed the risks associated with exposure. Tyler taught at B. Bernice Young Elementary School from 1996 to 2010, a period during which the school, constructed in the late 1960s, underwent maintenance and remediation work related to asbestos. This serious exposure occurred without the provision of any respiratory protection or warnings to staff, which Tyler asserts would have informed her of the potential dangers.

Impact of Diagnosis

Currently unable to work due to her illness, Rachel Tyler’s plight not only raises concerns over her health but places a spotlight on the broader issue of asbestos exposure in schools. The lawsuit further alleges that the district’s negligence in disclosing the dangers of asbestos exposure delayed her medical treatment, which could have potentially improved her health outcome. The complaint is notable for its detailed account of Tyler’s daily exposure, particularly in the school’s “D” wing, which she frequented during her tenure at the institution.

The Response from the School District

In response to the lawsuit, the district has chosen to remain silent on the allegations, with spokesperson Liz Scott stating that officials will not comment due to the ongoing litigation. To date, no formal answer to the lawsuit has been filed in court. This non-response raises eyebrows, especially in light of alarming reports regarding the presence of hazardous materials in school environments.

Broader Context of Asbestos Exposure in Schools

The situation faced by Tyler is not an isolated incident. A striking number of educational institutions across the United States are grappling with similar asbestos-related challenges. A parallel situation exists with Burlington High School, which is undergoing construction and is now set to open in 2026 following delays primarily due to asbestos concerns. The new building is projected to cost over $200 million, raised through a $165 million taxpayer bond.

Prolonged exposure to toxic materials like asbestos and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) remains a significant public health concern, with both substances classified as Group 1 carcinogens. Alarmingly, reports indicate that PCBs are present in approximately one-third of K-12 schools nationwide, often undetected due to a lack of proactive testing protocols. In 2020, a Burlington High School in Vermont was closed and demolished after high levels of PCBs were found in its materials.

Looking Ahead

The Tyler lawsuit serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing health risks associated with outdated school infrastructure. With a jury trial being sought, this case could set a precedent for how U.S. schools handle hazardous materials and the responsibility owed to teachers and students. With the specter of asbestos exposure looming large, advocates are calling for more stringent regulations and proactive measures to ensure a safe educational environment for all.

The relentless fight for justice in the midst of illness is no small endeavor, but it highlights the pressing need to address hazardous conditions affecting educators and children alike. As the lawsuit unfolds, the implications will be watched closely by parents, teachers, and school administrators nationwide.