March 3rd, 2006

The US Environmental Protection Agency has sent letters out to school authorities in various states to remind officials of their responsibilities with regards to asbestos. The letters have been sent to education authorities in Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota. The letters outline the responsibilities of these authorities in relation to asbestos, in terms of inspections and asbestos management.

A sample of the letter sent out included the following information: ‘The purpose of this letter is to remind you of your school’s or school district’s responsibilities under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). The AHERA focuses on protecting students and school employees from the dangers of asbestos, a naturally-occurring, fibrous mineral, which has commonly been used in building construction. As asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) deteriorates, or is disturbed through maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Inhalation of these needle-like, microscopic fibers is known to cause such deadly respiratory diseases as asbestosis (scarring of lung tissues), lung cancer, and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs).’

The letter went on: ‘The AHERA requires each public school district or private, nonprofit K-12 school to (1) inspect its school buildings for ACBM, (2) develop a plan to manage ACBM in each of its school buildings, (3) designate a person who will ensure that AHERA requirements are properly implemented, (4) annually notify parents, students, and staff regarding the school’s asbestos management activities, (5) provide information to contractors on the locations of ACBM in its school buildings, (6) provide asbestos awareness training to maintenance and custodial employees, and (7) conduct triennial reinspections and semiannual surveillance to monitor the condition of ACBM remaining in its school buildings.

‘The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an ongoing responsibility to ensure compliance with the AHERA requirements. In order to fulfill that responsibility, EPA conducts AHERA compliance inspections. EPA may or may not have inspected your school or school district in the past, but please be aware that EPA’s inspection efforts continue.’