Findings below show the percent increase for mesothelioma and asbestosis in education industry workers compared to all other workers followed in the ODSS. Risk was highest among workers in universities and colleges, followed by education services and elementary and secondary schools. Surveillance data in the United States has also shown higher reported mesothelioma deaths in elementary and secondary school workers compared to other workers [5].

Mesothelioma and asbestosis cases in the education industry are further narrowed down into occupation groups in Figure 1. There were a higher number of mesothelioma and asbestosis cases in service and construction trades occupations, primarily made up of janitors and cleaners, pipefitters and plumbers, and carpenters. These workers are often considered high-risk for asbestos exposure in other sectors [4]. While some of the cases were found in teaching occupations, it is important to note that some of those cases had previous employment in sectors such as manufacturing which may impact their risk.

Figure 1. Distribution of mesothelioma and asbestosis cases within the education industry in the ODSS.

The higher risk found among workers in universities and colleges is an important finding. Various institutions, including the Universities of Toronto and Ottawa, have recently reported finding asbestos in buildings leading to potential occupational exposures [6,7]. Asbestos fibres were found in the dust in the Medical Sciences building at the University of Toronto during construction. The fibres were linked to dust that had escaped from areas in the building where asbestos remediation was taking place [7]. The findings resulted in further review of the University’s asbestos management programs, with recommendations for better oversight, education, and communication of asbestos management planning [7].

Ontario schools that have asbestos are required to have an asbestos management plan, however, these plans may not be well communicated to all workers [8]. A recent study, Awareness of Asbestos Hazards in Schools, Asbestos Management Plans and Training among Ontario School Custodial Workers, was conducted by the Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC). The study found that the majority of custodial workers interacted with ACM either directly (24%) or indirectly (66%), but only 59% are able to recognize it, and only 63% reported using any personal protective equipment [9]. Participants identified concerns with management of existing asbestos in their schools and with training and awareness when working near or with ACM [9].

Although asbestos management plans exist, there is a need for ongoing dissemination and appropriate training of employees. Ontario Regulation 278/05 provides legal requirements and regulations for asbestos management and control in the workplace that all workers should be aware of [10]. Employees should treat all building materials installed before the 1980s as potentially ACM and review the asbestos management plan before doing any ACM disrupting work. Educational institutions are required to maintain and review updated asbestos management plans. Proper management of existing asbestos is imperative to preventing exposure to asbestos.

1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2021). Asbestos – control strategies for workplaces.
2. Health Effects Institute. (1991). Asbestos in public and commercial buildings: A literature review and synthesis of current knowledge.
3. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Volume 100C. A review of human carcinogens. Part C: Arsenic, Metals, Fibres and Dusts. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2012.
4. DeBono NL, Warden H, Logar-Henderson C, Shakik S, Dakouo M, MacLeod J & Demers PA. Incidence of mesothelioma and asbestosis by occupation in a diverse workforce. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2021, 64(6): 476-487
5. Tomasallo CD, Christensen KY, Raymond M et al. An occupational legacy, malignant mesothelioma incidence and mortality in Wisconsin. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2018, 60(12):1143-49.
6. Casalino M. (2019). The Fulcrum: Asbestos found in two U of O buildings after recent survey.
7. University of Toronto Environmental Health & Safety. (2019). Asbestos review panel report.
8. ETFO. (2021). Asbestos.
9. Occupational Cancer Research Centre. (2019). Awareness of asbestos hazards in schools, asbestos management plans and training among Ontario school custodial workers.
10. Ontario. (2020). O. Reg. 278/05: Designated substance – asbestos on construction projects and in buildings and repair operations.