What is the government doing about asbestos in schools?

The federal government has been regulating asbestos for a number of years. Progress is being made to limit the uses of asbestos and to identify substitute materials.

AHERA required EPA to develop regulations creating a comprehensive framework for dealing with asbestos in public and nonprofit private elementary and secondary schools. The regulations were published on October 30, 1987.

The AHERA schools rule required all public school districts and private schools, known as local education agencies or LEAs, to inspect all school buildings for both friable and nonfriable asbestos; to develop plans to manage asbestos in school; and to carry out the plans in a timely fashion. The rule also provides an opportunity for parents, teachers, and other school employees to become familiar with and involved in their school's asbestos management program. School officials are required to notify parent, teacher and employee groups about asbestos-related activities.

EPA also has established an asbestos-in-schools assistance program. Through its headquarters office in Washington, D.C., and ten Regional offices, EPA provides direct technical assistance to help thousands of school official and workers understand asbestos issues.

Source: EPA