Asbestos in Philadelphia Schools Causing Closings and Concern:
We’ve all heard about the dangers of asbestos. You probably also know about the deadly diseases asbestos can cause, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. But did you know that asbestos may be in schools across the country? Many schools in the United States were built between 1950 and 1969 when asbestos was widely used in building materials as a flame retardant. In older school buildings, vinyl floor tiles, pipe wraps, cement sheets, textured or popcorn ceilings, and even ductwork materials often include asbestos. When asbestos is disturbed or damaged as materials age, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and water. If these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause cancer.Now, asbestos in older school buildings is disrupting the Philadelphia school system, where the district has closed six schools since September 2019 because of asbestos. The school district needs more than $150 million for asbestos remediation, and the community can’t raise the money on its own. Asbestos in schools is not a new problem. In 2018, the school district spent the summer inspecting and repairing seven elementary schools with high levels of asbestos fibers. An investigation by the Philadelphia Inquirer found millions of asbestos fibers in a primary school classroom after a contractor stripped insulation from a pipe, leaving debris on the classroom floor.
Federal Regulation of Asbestos in Schools
In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which requires public and private schools to inspect their schools for asbestos every three years. Schools must also create and maintain asbestos management plans and appoint and train someone to oversee asbestos-related activities. Of course, schools must also move to prevent and reduce asbestos hazards. But a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Inspector General shows that the EPA isn’t doing enough to minimize asbestos dangers in schools. The report revealed that the EPA only conducted 13% of the inspections it was supposed to between 2011 and 2015 and that half of the EPA regional districts only check for asbestos if they receive a complaint about a specific school.
What Can Parents Do?
You may be wondering what you can do to avoid a situation like the Philadelphia school district. First, you can contact your school district and ask about their asbestos management plan, their inspection schedule, and asbestos protocols. Next, you can ask for information about how the school will notify parents about any risks or hazards that arise related to asbestos. Finally, you can ask about all asbestos-related incidents. Knowing what to expect, and letting the school know that parents are concerned can help better prepare your entire community.
