College students spend hours in college buildings, dorms, and facilities, unaware of the possible health hazards hiding within aging structures. Universities are constantly keeping their facilities maintained, yet some health risks are out of sight, impacting students’ health adversely until years after the initial exposure. Knowing those disguised perils can aid students defend themselves and make educated life choices.
Asbestos Exposure in Older Buildings
Among the many real yet often underrated threats hiding out of sight in older college buildings is asbestos exposure. The mineral inadvertently became a part of building materials, especially in buildings from before the 1980s. Its tiny fibers become airborne once they’re disturbed, so students are likely unaware of their environment with asbestos until certain tests are performed.
The health effects of asbestos exposure are severe, including an aggressive type of cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer usually manifests 20 to 50 years after initial exposure and nearly always involves the lining of the abdomen, lungs, or heart. Unfortunately, students in dormitories or those in outdated buildings may not realize the health implications until they’re much older.
When someone or their family gets hit with such diagnoses, they must understand that there’s legal help available. For example, if you’re in Pennsylvania, you might want to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer Pennsylvania, as a local expert can give you a lowdown on your rights and how to get compensated, especially if the exposure happened in schools. Remember, dealing with asbestos exposure cases can be tricky, so you must pick lawyers with specialized knowledge because they have to link past exposure to current health issues while also dealing with tight statutes of limitations.
Lead Paint Issues with Older Campus Facilities
Lead paint is another unsuspecting health danger that often goes undetected by students in older campus buildings. Universities may try to preserve old buildings due to their architecture, but buildings constructed before 1978 are often painted with lead-based products that pose ongoing health risks. Lead paint erosion occurs slowly and produces dust that settles around window sills, doors, and ventilation systems yet it doesn’t bring about any clear warning signs.
The severe health effects of lead exposure are cognitive impairment, memory issues, inability to concentrate, and mood disorders that can severely affect academic performance. These are frequently blamed on stress, sleep deprivation, and academic pressures, but the real culprit is lead exposure. Remember, lead is particularly harmful to your reproductive health.
Mold Growth in Dormitories and Basements
Hidden mold growth is quite a significant health problem in university buildings, particularly dorms, basements, and older facilities that are poorly ventilated. While those patches that students can spot and report are problematic, the truly toxic stuff tends to form inside walls, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and air systems where the moisture just lingers unseen.
Mold exposure becomes a concern once it induces chronic respiratory disorders, triggers asthma attacks or induces anaphylactic allergic reactions that disrupt academic outcomes and general health. When there’s reason to believe that mold exposure has occurred, students should record their symptoms, photograph possible mold growth sites, and report the issue to the residence hall staff at once. Asking for air quality tests and insisting on a professional mold assessment is also vital for determining the scope of the infestation.
Endnote
Getting to know these health risks helps students take charge of their well-being during college. Even though universities should keep things safe, when students know about these issues, they can really stand up for their health and make smart choices about where they live and study.
