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Information on Asbestos Hazard Laws

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that naturally occurs in the environment. Asbestos is unique because it is heat-resistant, unaffected by many chemicals, and can be woven. In the past, asbestos was used in a wide variety of manufactured products, such as ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, shingles, textiles, paper goods, cement products and other building materials. As exposure to asbestos became increasing linked to health problems, the U.S. began to regulate its use in the 1970s. Today, because of a better understanding of asbestos risk, there are procedures and guidelines in place -- especially in schools -- to guard against exposure to asbestos fibers.

  1. Asbestos Dangers

    • Asbestos fibers that become airborne can easily enter into your lungs and cause serious heath issues. Long-term exposure to asbestos increases a person's risk of developing certain ailments because fibers collect in the lungs and cause irritation. Asbestos is found to be associated with three serious health effects: they include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung disease caused by asbestos fibers irritating lung tissues, causing them to scar. This scarring makes it difficult for oxygen to enter the blood stream. Lung cancer is found to likely develop in those who work in industries associated with asbestos, and those who use products containing the substance. A rare type of cancer linked to asbestos is mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lung, chest, abdomen and heart membrane. Mesothelioma can develop years after exposure to asbestos.

    Regulation for Schools and Other Buildings

    • Since building material containing asbestos must be disturbed in some way to release dangerous fibers into the air, many schools and other building operators have chosen to monitor such material. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act -- AHERA -- mandates the Environmental Protection Agency -- EPA -- to administer regulations for buildings containing asbestos. Guidelines include educating people on the proper management of asbestos-containing material -- or ACM -- along with recognition of such material and proper monitoring of ACM. The AHERA requires inspection of schools for asbestos and preparation of plans to prevent or reduce exposure. The AHERA regulation covers public and non-profit schools. Charter schools and learning institutions associated with religious entities must also abide by AHERA regulations.

    Compliance

    • Compliance with AHERA includes an initial and subsequent inspection of ACM every three years. Each school must maintain a copy of its asbestos management plan within the building. Parents, teachers, other employees and employee organizations associated with the school must be provided with yearly notification concerning the asbestos management plan, including any action taken or planned with ACM. The school must name a contact person who is responsible for ensuring all AHERA regulations are followed. Furthermore, the school must periodically inspect ACM and arrange for professional inspections and preparation of management plans from outside sources.

    Additional Notification

    • Schools are required to comply with the Asbestos National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The standard states that all demolition, renovation or other projects that may release asbestos into the air be reported to the proper state agency before they take place. Under NESHAP, minimal amounts of ACM may be removed by the owner or operator of the building, provided the material is kept wet to reduce the amount of asbestos fiber released into the air.

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