Asbestos
What is asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of six types of naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos minerals are made up of fine, durable fibers and are resistant to heat, fire and many chemicals. It is because of these properties that asbestos became widely used in thousands of everyday products, from building materials to fireproof protective gear. Though most products containing asbestos were removed from the market in the US during the 1980s, asbestos is still found in older buildings and materials.
What are the health risks?
The mere presence of asbestos in a building does not mean that the building occupants are endangered. Intact and undisturbed asbestos containing materials (ACM) do not pose a health risk (EPA). The health risks arise from the inhalation of asbestos fibers which may occur when the ACM are disturbed i.e. during demolition and/or renovation activities. Once inhaled, the fibers travel deep into the lungs and cannot be dispelled by the body. Once in the lungs, the fibers can cause damage which can lead to diseases such as lung cancers and asbestosis.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
This law required EPA to promulgate regulations (see below) requiring local educational agencies to inspect their school buildings for asbestos-containing building material, prepare asbestos management plans and perform asbestos response actions to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. AHERA also tasked EPA with developing a model plan for states for accrediting persons conducting asbestos inspection and corrective-action activities at schools.
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule
Pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools rule requires local education agencies to inspect their school buildings for asbestos-containing building material, prepare asbestos management plans and perform asbestos response actions to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. Public school districts and non-profit private schools, including charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions (collectively called local education agencies) are subject to the rule’s requirements.
Resources
Asbestos Laws and Regulations
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-laws-and-regulations#schools
Asbestos and School Buildings
https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-and-school-buildings
PEOSH Asbestos Standard (including FAQs)
https://www.nj.gov/health/workplacehealthandsafety/peosh/peosh-health-standards/asbestoscon.shtml