Sen. Markey: US Schools Fail Asbestos Management

Thirty years ago, Congress acted to protect schools from deadly asbestos. But today, it appears the majority of states overlook the law passed to safeguard students, teachers and administrators across the nation. Two congressional legislators this year queried all 50 state governors to determine compliance of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) enacted three decades ago. Disappointingly, less than half replied. Five of those governors did not answer questions specifically and failed to provide information regarding their observance of the law. Details of AHERA Legislation Enacted into law in 1986, AHERA requires local schools to: Inspect premises for asbestos. Develop operation plans to train employees about asbestos safety. Develop management plans to properly deal with asbestos. Conduct periodic inspections and surveillance of any asbestos-containing materials not removed from the schools. Ensure asbestos removal is executed by trained professionals. Each state is responsible for implementing AHERA, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authority to oversee compliance and take emergency action if necessary. Present Law Is Ineffective Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., report that findings from the inquiry reveal "little is known about the extent of asbestos hazards in schools, and monitoring, investigation or remediation of asbestos hazards is woefully insufficient." "What you don't know can hurt you when it comes to asb...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure & Bans Source Type: news