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

Release Date: 11/04/2010
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(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.

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/nov2010.html