The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) says the “mishandling of asbestos” at a school in New Brunswick has resulted in nine workers being exposed. CUPE added it’s concerned how the school district has handled the situation, claiming it was a CUPE 824 custodian who first raised the alarm about asbestos at Petitcodiac Regional High School. The union says the custodian contacted WorkSafeNB, prompting further action. “We also know that this is a community school used by various groups, and we sincerely hope that no other individuals were exposed,” said CUPE in a statement Tuesday. “This situation is deeply concerning, as asbestos-related illnesses can result from a single exposure and may not become apparent for many years.” In a statement to CTV News, WorkSafeNB spokesperson Beverly Stears said they are aware of concerns about asbestos-containing materials at the school and are involved in the response to the situation. “When concerns about potential exposure to asbestos were brought forward, a WorkSafeNB officer attended the school and the work in the affected area was stopped,” said Stears. “Air sampling conducted on August 19 showed no asbestos detected in the samples collected.” With classes scheduled to start on Sept. 8, teachers were supposed to be back in their classrooms this week to prep for the new year. However, the school remained closed on Tuesday. Bruce Macfarlane, a spokesperson for the province, says testing is currently underway at the Petitcodiac Regional School in compliance with WorkSafeNB requirements. “The school is expected to reopen as scheduled on Sept. 8,” he writes in a statement. The New Brunswick Teachers’ Association president Heidi Ryder says they were informed Tuesday renovations at the high school resulted in exposure for the employees. “We expect that all employees, students, and families will be kept fully informed as the situation develops,” she says in an emailed statement. Following a later inspection on Aug. 26, WorkSafeNB identified concerns related to dust and the adequacy of cleaning in the surrounding area. “The school is closed to allow for complete cleaning and to address these concerns,” said Stears. “Following the completion of the required cleaning and appropriate measures being put in place, WorkSafeNB supports the reopening of the school.” Anglophone East School District spokesperson Stephanie Patterson said air quality testing is being done at the school by an independent contractor to ensure everything is safe for next week and to ensure staff can return to prepare for classes by the end of this week. ‘I’m worried about their health’ Jerikka Wasson has two children going to PRS this year and is very concerned about the air quality inside the building. “My daughter does have cystic fibrosis, which is to do with her lungs. That is not something I want my child to be going into,” said Wasson. Wasson said, as of early Tuesday afternoon, she hadn’t heard anything at all from the school or the district. “No emails. No, nothing has been sent out,” said Wasson. Andrea Gaunce also has two kids going to PRS this year. “I’m worried about their health, for sure. Just their safety in general, it they’re going to get sick or not. And my daughter is graduating this year so I would be concerned about her education for Grade 12,” said Gaunce. “Definitely concerned.” Dwayne Stevens, who has two kids going back to PRS next week, was aware something was going on at the school. “Yeah, I’m concerned. It’s been an ongoing issue from what I understand for a number of years,” said Stevens. According to the district’s website, PRS is a kindergarten to Grade 12 school with over 700 students. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
