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Texas receives nearly $140,000 to Protect Citizens from Asbestos

Release Date: 10/08/2010
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(DALLAS – October 8, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $138,678 to Texas to protect citizens from possible asbestos exposures. The project will continue to prevent unnecessary exposure to asbestos in the workplace and in buildings.

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 also 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.

Additional information on EPA grants: https://www.epa.gov/region6/gandf/index.htm

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at: https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/oct2010.html