This book explores the history of asbestos in schools and buildings and how this issue shaped the development of public health policy. It provides insight into past policy including how and why action was taken and who caused it to be taken; it also offers guidance for the scientific and regulatory communities in the future. While explaining technical concepts in everyday language, the book also provides insight into the politics of environment and highlights how the issue of asbestos influenced the development of environmental policy and its implications for other potential health hazards. Also examined are the roles of school administrators, labor unions, the Congress, the courts, environmentalists, scientists, school agencies, and ordinary citizens in the resolution of asbestos in schools. (GR)