The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is falling short of its responsibility to protect children, teachers, and staff in the nation’s schools from asbestos, according to an interagency watchdog.
The report assessed the EPA’s compliance with laws that require local education agencies to inspect schools for asbestos, make asbestos management plans, and take steps to reduce or prevent asbestos exposure. The EPA is responsible for ensuring that states comply with asbestos testing requirements.
The report found that between 2011 and 2015, the EPA conducted only 13% of required inspections. Asbestos was commonly used in American schools from 1946 to 1972 as insulation and a flame retardant in vinyl flooring, textured paint and patching on walls, and steam and water pipes.
Asbestos is a carcinogen that may cause as many as 15,000 deaths a year in the U.S.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2019
Office noise significantly reducing employee concentration, productivity, and creativity
Workplace distractions cause some to choose to work remotely.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2019
WSP USA says it will be carbon neutral in 2019
Engineering firm will offset carbon at all offices and with employee business travel.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
Report: Contractors invest $1.6 billion in workforce development annually
ABC members increased training spending 45% from 2013, according to a new report.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
New York City’s Green New Deal would ban all-glass skyscrapers
The ambitious plan would also boost affordable housing, reduce building emissions, and update codes to account for sea level rise.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
Chicago, Houston, and Dallas deemed ‘most dangerous cities for migratory birds’
The three cities are in the heart of North America’s most trafficked aerial corridors.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2019
Notre Dame fire highlights danger of renovating historic structures
The devastating fire at Notre-Dame de Paris is the latest blaze to damage or destroy historic buildings while undergoing renovations. It highlights how vulnerable such structures are to fire while undergoing repairs.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2019
Developers and owners can now join AIA 2030 Commitment
Organization offers tools and resources for working toward net-zero design.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2019
New method of manufacturing cement removes CO2 from the air
Breakthrough could have significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2019
Deadline nears on New York City sprinkler requirement for tall office buildings
The mandate applies to all buildings regardless of when constructed.
Codes and Standards | Apr 8, 2019
LEED v4.1 now available for cities, communities, residential/homes
The rating system emphasizes performance monitoring, fully integrated design, social equity, and human health.