Asbestos fear forces hundreds from Ebb and Flow School

WINNIPEG — Over 500 students from Ebb & Flow School have been forced out due to concerns about asbestos.

Students have been kept away from classes since Tuesday, when asbestos debris fell from a wall, according to Jean Malcolm, Director of Education of Ebb & Flow School Authority.

Ebb & Flow First Nation is about 85 km east of Dauphin, near the shores of Lake Manitoba.

Malcolm said the school closure is a “precaution to protect students and staff” while air quality tests are conducted and clean-up continues. She added that there are no reports of children becoming sick due to asbestos exposure.

WATCH: Negative health impacts from asbestos still felt today

The School Authority said initial air quality tests confirmed trace amounts (0.05 ppm) of asbestos was found in the air. Ebb & Flow council member Darrell Mousseau said a “second opinion is being brought in”, in the form another test.

[Parents] have every right to be concerned” – Jean Malcolm, Director of Education of Ebb & Flow School Authority

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: [Parents] have every right to be concerned" - Jean Malcolm, Director of Education of Ebb & Flow School Authority

Staff members are currently at the school to create back-up plans for students.

Mousseau said he hopes the second air quality tests are done quickly and “we can get kids back into school on Friday or the beginning of next week.”