Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

A recent fine to three different Arizona charter schools for failure to meet asbestos safety regulations brings light to the fact that all public schools, regardless of type, are required to have asbestos management plans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires all schools to develop and follow asbestos management plans in order to avoid any risk of exposure to the carcinogenic substance, which can lead to serious and fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma.

 

The three charter organizations were: Career Success Schools (Phoenix), Precision Academy System (Phoenix) and Vail Unified School District which operates the high school and Civano Charter School (both in Tucson.) The fines for all the schools together run more than $27,000, and were imposed for failure to perform inspections or developing asbestos management plans. 

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials, up until the mid-1980’s when the EPA began to enforce strict regulations around its use due to the health hazards associated with exposure to asbestos.  To protect school staff, students and parents from any risk of exposure and later development of diseases such as mesothelioma, the EPA passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) in 1986. AHERA requires that schools be inspected for any asbestos containing materials and that management plans be developed to prevent or reduce any exposure from occurring. 

 

AHERA applies to any public school and non-profit private schools, including charter schools and schools associated with religious institutions. To find out more specifics of what is required of schools, read The ABC’s of Asbestos in Schools written by the EPA to keep all informed and in compliance.  

 

All of the violations were during 2008 inspections and the schools fined by the EPA are now in complete compliance with environmental and safety regulations.