The Dangers Of Asbestos In Schools

New findings from the EPA’s internal watchdog teams concluded that not enough is being done in order to minimize asbestos exposure in U.S schools. The report also shows that the EPA is doing less than the states when it comes to AHERA compliance inspections. AHERA requires educational agencies to test schools for asbestos materials and ensure the safety of students from this toxic substance. Only 848 of school inspections conducted between 2011 and 2015 were performed by the EPA. Asbestos is a common occurrence at schools built prior to 1980. Children are more susceptible to asbestos exposure because they are more likely to spend time on the floor where asbestos can accumulate and breathe through the mouth. Asbestos at schools can appear in flooring material, steam pipes and paint.