[StBernard] EPA Awards $150, 000 to Reduce Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana

[Westley Annis]

EPA Awards $150,000 to Reduce Asbestos Exposure in Louisiana   

(DALLAS - November 4, 2010)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
awarded $150,000 to Louisiana to help reduce asbestos exposure in schools
and state buildings.  The project will encompass compliance monitoring,
compliance assistance and public outreach. 

  

The project is covered under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
(AHERA).  The program provides protection through on-site surveillance where
asbestos is found.  AHERA requires local education agencies to inspect
schools for asbestos-containing building material and prepare management
plans to reduce the hazard.  The Act establishes a program for the training
and accreditation of individuals performing certain types of asbestos work. 

Although asbestos is hazardous, human risk of asbestos disease depends upon
exposure.  Removal is often not the best course of action to reduce asbestos
exposure.  Improper removal may create a dangerous situation where none
previously existed.  EPA only requires removal in order to prevent
significant public exposure to asbestos, such as during building renovation
or demolition.  EPA recommends in-place management whenever asbestos is
discovered.  Instead of removal, implementation of a management plan will
usually control fiber release when materials are not significantly damaged
and are not likely to be disturbed.