Asbestos in Schools
A Health Care Article Contributed by Adrienne Turner
Asbestos Commonly Used in Construction of Buildings
Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals composed of extremely strong fibers, that has been used over the years in the construction of many buildings, including schools.
Asbestos has generally been used to strengthen certain buildings, provide insulation or serve as a fire retardant. Before the long-term health risks of asbestos were known, it was used liberally in the construction of many schools, especially those built around the time during and following the second World War. Asbestos has a very strong resistance to fire, and it was therefore thought to be the safest product to use in buildings that would house children.
Additionally, it can be used to soundproof walls, and it is also found in many areas that exist in a school yard, including asphalt and cement.
What to Do If Asbestos is Present in Your Child's School
Asbestos can be extremely dangerous for children, if they are exposed to the airborne fibers. Since asbestos can be easily disturbed or disrupted in high-activity areas, schools are the perfect place for involuntary exposure. This is especially true for friable asbestos -- which is asbestos that can be broken or crumbled with the hands. This is the most dangerous type of asbestos that may be present in or around a school, since children may inadvertently disrupt the asbestos and become exposed.
In many cases -- especially in older schools -- steps are already being taken by state officials and local school board representatives to ensure that the school is managed and inspected for asbestos appropriately. Usually, the school will have documentation citing if and where asbestos exists, and will likely have detailed information that outlines the management plan for containment.
It is not uncommon for a parent to ask for such documentation. If you are concerned that your child is at risk for asbestos exposure in his or her school, ask the school board for more information.
Steps Being Taken to Protect Schools from Asbestos Exposure
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act was signed into law in 1989 to protect children from being exposed to asbestos while in school. This law requires schools, both non-profit, public and private, to regularly inspect their buildings for asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined specific guidelines for schools to use, to ensure that there is no dangerous risk of asbestos exposure for children while at school. Some of these guidelines include:
* Three-year inspection of building(s) for asbestos
* Development of an asbestos-management plan, written by and kept in each school
* Mandatory parental notification of school's asbestos management plan and action items necessary if asbestos is found in the school
* Appointment of a local person who will ensure that all asbestos-safety actions are being implemented and maintained
* Mandatory periodic "checks" (in addition to three year mandatory inspection) in areas that may contain asbestos
* Mandatory training for custodians and other janitorial staff about asbestos awareness and identification
Serious steps have been taken over the years to protect children from asbestos exposure. For more information on the presence of asbestos in your child's school, contact your local state asbestos official and/or ask the school board for more information.
