What goes around, comes around.

This simple rule applies to many asbestos manufacturers and suppliers who might have to pay to have their work torn apart. The Illinois Supreme Court ruled last week that 34 school districts in Illinois can file lawsuits asking these companies to reimburse schools for the cost of removing the substance.

An important “if” is whether the school districts can prove physical harm from asbestos, which might be difficult. Manufacturing representatives maintain that asbestos has caused no harm to teachers, staff or students. But asbestos can take a silent and subtle toll.

It seems only logical that asbestos manufacturers and suppliers be held responsible for the removal of the cancer-causing fiber that they installed. The school districts, which include Chicago’s fiscally and socially troubled divisions, are in no financial shape to pick up the estimated $500 million asbestos removal tab. Schools have enough funding problems without having to worry about paying for the removal of asbestos.

Unfortunately, the court’s ruling does not guarantee the districts will ever see reimbursement, only that they are free to pursue the lawsuits. But it is hoped that asbestos companies take the heat for the installation of the harmful substance—and learn an important lesson about responsibility.