The Environmental Protection Agency's regulations on use of asbestos in school buildings are not based on an "acceptable level of risk," require action by the consumers rather than by the producers of the hazardous substance and do not extend to other public facilities that theoretically place citizens in similar danger. (Author/PGD)

Describes the current, unsettled status of federal programs for the removal of friable asbestos from the schools and the method of financing such removal. (IRT)

Presents factors to consider in deciding whether to have a school be included in the national class action suit that is being brought against 54 asbestos manufacturers. (MD)

A small district in New Jersey didn't wait for possible federal or state funds. Instead, it floated a special bond to cure its asbestos problems. (Author)

Provides advice for school systems on developing asbestos abatement plans to comply with EPA regulations. Topics discussed include inspection, management plans, appropriate responses, training, and surveillance. (TE)

Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are used to detect asbestos by analyzing filters from air tests. The modes of operation and types of samples examined by each are explained. Circumstances that a school board should consider when deciding whether to use these methods are discussed. (MLF)

Mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) are matters of major concern to architects and their educational clients. The Environmental Protection Agency's Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program offers help to districts seeking to tackle IAQ issues. Strengthening community relations is one way to be ready in case of a bad environmental or IAQ report.…

This document provides the text of House Joint Resolution 153 and the remarks made in the hearing held before a subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives. This joint resolution was written to provide for insurance grants and loans by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act (ASHAA)…

Examines the role of the media gatekeeper--reporter, editor, or news manager--and the effect of this role on public service announcements. Discusses the Asbestos Awareness campaign and its effectiveness in demonstrating the importance of the media gatekeeper. (JMF)

Demonstrates how corporate culture stifled adaptive efforts of strategic planners, operations managers, industrial hygienists, and issue monitors in the asbestos industry thereby leading it to the brink of bankruptcy. (MG)

Comments from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning three recommendations (in an article in a previous issue of this journal about inspecting schools for asbestos-containing materials) that are in direct conflict with those offered by EPA. (MLF)

Discusses the harmful effects of exposure to asbestos in the classroom, and provides addresses of ten regional Environmental Protection Agency Officers. (CM)

A House of Representatives subcommittee convened to consider legislation (H.R. 3677) to reauthorize the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984 (ASHAA) that provides financial assistance to needy school districts in the form of loans and grants for asbestos-related activities. The hearing record contains the text of H.R. 3677, testimony, and…

Discusses the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and how effective it is in the schools. The article describes a 1991 evaluation of AHERA which found that it had been generally successful (with notable exceptions). It also considers the school reinspection process which will be completed by July 1992. (SM)

This article details the removal and disposal of asbestos ceiling material in a Yale University building. The removal process utilized a water and wetting agent technique used by firefighters and the debris disposal was in a sanitary landfill, following federal regulations for the handling of hazardous materials. (MA)