MESOTHELIOMA

Under the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, local New York education authorities since 1986 are required to inspect all school buildings for asbestos damage, develop abatement plans and keep the public, students and teachers informed about asbestos related hazards.

The Environmental Protection Agency fined Yonkers schools $131,000 for failing to comply with the federal asbestos laws under a settlement that will allow them to apply the penalty to repairs and training. The EPA said the district must bring all of its 43 schools into compliance with EPA asbestos rules by September 2005.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used commonly as a fire retardant for insulation, as well as building construction materials. After workers and families continued to be exposed to asbestos for decades, it was discovered asbestos fibers could be inhaled into the lungs and result in lung ailments, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The EPA said in a written statement, "Parents, teachers and students should be able to focus on education and not have to wonder about conditions in their schools." School Superintendent Angelo Petrone said the 43 Yonkers schools now have asbestos plans and reports available at each school for inspection by the public.

SOURCE:http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/news/news_yonkers_schools.html