December 30th, 2004

The Environmental Protection Agency has fined Yonkers school over $130,000 for failure to apply with asbestos regulations. The settlement will be used towards repairs and training. The Environmental Protection Agency have ordered the 43 Yonkers schools to bring the buildings into compliance with asbestos regulations, and this must be completed by September 2005.

A statement issued by the Environmental Protection Agency stated: “Parents, teachers and students should be able to focus on education and not have to wonder about conditions in their schools.” Asbestos plan and reports have been made available at each of the 43 schools, and these are available for viewing by the public.

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that was once very widely used in buildings – it was used for everything from insulation and piping to floor and ceiling tiles. Breathing in asbestos fibers in large levels or over longer periods can lead to a number of health problems, including mesothelioma. This is a deadly cancer that can affect the lung, abdomen, or heart. Mesothelioma can take several decades to manifest following exposure to the asbestos.

Over recent years a wide variety of regulations have been enforced with regards to asbestos use and exposure. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in severe financial penalties, or even prison sentences for individuals that are found to be breaking asbestos regulations.