19 Mississippi schools face closure due to asbestos

Jackson, MIJackson is experiencing a bit of an uproar this week as 22 buildings owned by the Jackson-Madison county school system - including 19 schools - were found to contain asbestos.

The information comes in a biannual report furnished by the school system which lists the affected facilities including several elementary, intermediate and high schools.

Memphis Attorney Richard Fields has threatened to file an asbestos lawsuit against the board if repairs are not made. Fields is currently representing plaintiffs in desegregation lawsuits first brought against the school board 46-years ago.

Exposure to asbestos particles has been linked to several debilitating diseases and respiratory conditions, most notably asbestos mesothelioma, a fatal of lung cancer that attacks the lining of the chest cavity.

Despite the health risks inherent in using the fibrous material, asbestos is not illegal in the U.S. or Canada and is commonly used for building insulation and automotive brake pads.

The Jackson Sun reports that attorneys have until the end of the year to resolve the conflict before the case goes before a judge in 2010.