EPA Asbestos Regulations for Schools
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created regulations in accordance with Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) for maintenance, repair, demolition or renovation in any building that may contain asbestos containing materials (ACMs).
Schools, public and private elementary and high, have their own set of environmental and federal regulations they are expected to comply with, including those of AHERA. School districts are required to perform building material inspections for asbestos, identify any ACMs, and make such knowledge available to the public on a yearly basis. Periodic inspections are to be made by accredited asbestos inspectors and abatement professionals. Schools also are required to create and maintain asbestos management plans and perform periodic checks and air monitoring.
Asbestos is a generic name given to fibrous minerals that have been commonly used in commercial products and building materials. Any school built before the mind 1980’s has a high likelihood of containing asbestos containing materials. The highly desirable properties of asbestos are its strength and thermal and chemical stability. Asbestos is now known to be toxic and is no longer used in construction materials in the United States. It is now the most regulated substance due to its toxicity.
Asbestos, when left intact and in good condition, does not pose a threat to public health. When asbestos is disturbed, however, it can become friable, causing dust to be released into the air which can be easily inhaled or ingested. Exposure to asbestos leads to several serious diseases, such as mesothelioma (an incurable cancer in the lining of the chest, abdomen or heart) and lung cancer.
In an effort to protect the health of students, staff, janitors, and repairmen, schools are required to maintain updated, complete asbestos management plans (AMP); conduct periodic inspections; and train custodial and maintenance personnel. Non-compliance can result in people attending, working at, or visiting schools to become exposed to asbestos. Schools found to be out of compliance are given penalties.
In this last year, the EPA announced a new program that monitors for toxic air pollution near schools to further increase protection. The air quality tests and analysis will begin focusing on schools that are located near industries and in urban areas.
