During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s when many schools were being built, asbestos was thought to be an amazing and benign material. During the 1980s and 90s awareness heightened that asbestos could cause very serious and even deadly health problems. In response to the growing concern about the safety of the nation's children, Congress established AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) to help set requirements for our schools, in handling asbestos concerns.
School officials are educated and required to inspect and maintain any asbestos products in schools. It is very possible that asbestos can be found in your child's school, especially if it was built before 1980. Although this is concerning, be assured that if there is asbestos in your child's school, the federal as well a state and local regulations require frequent and efficient monitoring. Any asbestos that poses a risk to students and employees is dealt with using utmost care and professional workers. If you are concerned about a possible asbestos problem contact your school principal.
