Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recently focused their attention on the 1986 law created to protect students, teachers, and employees in the United States from asbestos exposure. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Action Fund supports the Senators efforts to evaluate the safety of the schools throughout the country. The 1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is an amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set criteria for the identification and abatement of hazardous asbestos in schools. Senators Markey and Boxer sent letters to the governors of all 50 states addressing how their state is upholding the conditions outlined in the law.
Heather White, executive director of EWG, emphasized that asbestos remains a serious threat throughout the nation’s schools. According to EWG, more than 10,000 Americans continue to die from asbestos-related diseases, including individuals exposed to asbestos in their younger years. She hopes that each state gives the questionnaire the attention it warrants. Moreover, EWG recently developed the Asbestos Nation campaign to increase awareness of the continuous threat of asbestos. The hope is that new guidelines will be generated from the national campaign to increase public safety.
The EPA mandates that private and public schools develop a plan for managing asbestos within their buildings in accordance with federal asbestos regulations. The EPA has found that there are considerable misunderstandings in the interpretation of the law. There is also confusion about how to manage asbestos in school buildings. The attention that the Senators are bringing to the 1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act is aimed at clearing up any misconceptions about the law and increase the safety in all schools.
New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Represent Victims Impacted by Asbestos
The extent of asbestos hazards in school appears to be unknown, which places our children, teachers and other school employees at risk for developing mesothelioma. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, call Shein Law at 1-877-SHEINLAW, or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation today. Our experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers can help you claim the justice and compensation you deserve. Our offices are conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and in Pennsauken, New Jersey allowing us to serve clients throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia area.