Parents Raise Alarm Over Asbestos Concerns at Union City Schools; District and Mayor Silent

Union City, NJ – Concerns are mounting in Union City as reports surface about the possible presence of dangerous asbestos material at several schools within the district, including Emerson Middle School, Colin Powell Elementary, and Union Hill Middle School. Parents and staff members are demanding answers after witnessing warning signs, industrial containers labeled for asbestos, and what some describe as an alarming lack of communication from school officials.

This week, large orange waste containers marked “Asbestos” were seen outside of Emerson Middle School, accompanied by caution tape and warning placards in both English and Spanish. These signs state that asbestos is being handled and that only authorized personnel with protective equipment should enter the area.

Despite these clear indicators of hazardous material handling, numerous parents say they were never notified of any asbestos removal or abatement activities. “We deserve to know what’s happening inside our children’s schools,” said one concerned parent. “This isn’t just a maintenance issue—this is a health risk.”

Further fueling concerns, sources report that over the weekend, the company handling the asbestos removal was cited for violations related to unsafe practices. Although details on the citations remain unclear, the sight of caution signs posted near student walkways has drawn outrage from the community.

Adding to the controversy, teachers and students returning to Emerson Middle School reportedly encountered large amounts of dark-colored dust in several classrooms. Shockingly, students were allegedly instructed to help clean the dust without knowing what the substance was. There has been no confirmation whether the dust was related to asbestos or another substance.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, particularly when its fibers are inhaled. Children are especially vulnerable due to their developing respiratory systems. The EPA and OSHA have strict guidelines for how asbestos must be handled in public buildings, particularly schools.

We reached out to the Union City School District and the Mayor’s Office for comment, but neither has provided a response.

What Parents Can Do:

For concerned parents and staff, you can contact the following agencies to report potential safety violations or request an investigation:

New Jersey Department of Health – Environmental Health Division: (609) 826-4950 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection – Office of Local Environmental Management: (609) 633-1441 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Hasbrouck Heights Area Office: (201) 288-1700

This developing situation raises serious questions about transparency, safety protocols, and accountability in Union City’s public schools. Community members are demanding swift answers and immediate action to ensure students and staff are not placed in harm’s way.