PRINTER'S NO. 1582
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
313
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY TARTAGLIONE, SANTARSIERO, COSTA, MUTH, HUGHES,
KEARNEY AND L. WILLIAMS, MARCH 10, 2020
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, MARCH 10, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Governor to declare the asbestos and toxic schools in
Pennsylvania a disaster emergency.
WHEREAS, Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been used in
many buildings throughout the country but can be extremely
hazardous when it becomes disrupted and airborne; and
WHEREAS, Asbestos can be easily inhaled or ingested and can
lead to many health concerns, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer
and asbestosis; and
WHEREAS, Although the United States Environmental Protection
Agency set strict laws to help limit the use of asbestos and
prevent exposure to it due to its harmful effects in the 1980s,
asbestos has not yet been banned in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Consequently, many older schools, homes and public
buildings still contain asbestos; and
WHEREAS, Many Pennsylvanians may not know if they have been
exposed to asbestos or are currently being exposed to it; and
WHEREAS, Six schools have already been closed in Philadelphia
due to the hazardous asbestos conditions; and
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WHEREAS, Students and staff at Carnell School and McClure
Elementary school have been exposed to asbestos fibers; and
WHEREAS, Parents and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
have been petitioning to close the schools to prevent additional
exposure; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, this is not just a Philadelphia
problem, it is a Statewide issue that can affect schools, homes
and other structures in any region throughout Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, This resolution urges the Governor to declare a
state of emergency and allows this Commonwealth to begin the
process of mitigating these conditions and bring awareness to
anyone who may be affected; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate urge the Governor to declare the
asbestos and toxic schools in Pennsylvania a disaster emergency.
20200SR0313PN1582 - 2 -
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