EPA Awards the State of
Oklahoma Over $240,000 to Reduce Exposure
to Asbestos in Schools and
State Buildings
(DALLAS –
October 9, 2012) The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Oklahoma
Department of Labor $242,322 to help reduce exposure to asbestos in schools and
state buildings through compliance monitoring. The funds will be used by the
ODOL to complete audit inspections in local schools during the upcoming school
year. Asbestos inspections are a traditional method of encouraging compliance
with the Asbestos in School Rule which is designed to protect the health of
school children, other occupants, and local communities. The ODOL will also use
the funds to verify asbestos abatement workers are properly trained and
accredited.
Asbestos is a
naturally occurring mineral fiber, once widely used in building materials for
its thermal insulating properties and fire resistance. Intact, undisturbed
asbestos-containing materials (ACM) generally do not pose a health risk. These
materials may become hazardous and pose increased risk if they are damaged,
disturbed or deteriorate over time and release asbestos fibers into the
air.
The EPA's
asbestos program for schools, and its regulations for schools and other
buildings, is founded on the principle of "in-place" management of ACM. This
approach is designed to prevent asbestos exposure by teaching people to
recognize asbestos-containing materials and actively monitor and, where
necessary, manage them in place. Removal of ACM is not usually necessary unless
the material is severely damaged or will be disturbed by a building demolition
or renovation project.
More
information about the Asbestos in School Program is available at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/asbestos_in_schools.html
Additional Information on EPA grants is available at
http://www.epa.gov/region6/gandf/index.htm
More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at
http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
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