Parents of children at the Gadsden Middle School in Anthony, New Mexico are alarmed about a posting that’s been in their school since 2004, warning of the presence of asbestos. But the school district maintains that the asbestos poses no danger to students, faculty, or staff, so it hasn’t been necessary to do anything about it.

According to a story on KFOX-TV, it is the material in the school’s floors that prompted the asbestos notice to appear nearly four years ago. But despite the seemingly laissez faire attitude about the dangerous material, district officials say they are aware of its presence and there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.

“The asbestos is contained, in other words, it is encapsulated. It is not exposed. It is not flying. Staff and students or anybody that walks in is completely safe in our buildings at Gadsden ISD,” said Art Ruiloba, the spokesman for Gadsden Independent School District.

But many parents believe that any amount of asbestos in their child’s school is too much. “I don’t see how they can’t breathe it in,” said parent Gabriela Marquez. “The kids are walking on those hallways all day long. It is kind of an oxymoron, they are walking down there and they are going to breathe it in.”

Mando Villalobos agrees. “I’m not sure if the kids are safe or not. It is hard to tell. How can you tell? I mean how can you be 100 percent sure that it is safe?” he added.

School officials assure parents that steps are now being taken to remove the material from the floors. A licensed abatement professional will most likely complete the job during the summer months.

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