ASBESTOS

What does absestos look like in schools?

Asbestos can most often be found in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, floor tiles, and paint. Some additional commonly found asbestos-containing materials in schools are cement, caulk, soundproofing, and fireproofing.

When should I be concerned about Absestos?

Some asbestos containing materials like ceiling and floor tiles have asbestos fibers imbedded in other materials. As long as they are not broken or damaged the asbestos fibers are not released into the air. Some asbestos containing materials like insulation on pipe remains fibrous and can easily be released in the air when damaged.

Asbestos type and its damaged risk is categorized by its friability. Friable Materials can be reduced to a powder by applying hand pressure and non-friable materials are not easily damaged.

Friable materials have the potential to release far more asbestos fibers into the air than non-friable materials. If a friable material is damaged and located in an area that is routinely occupied by people (like a classroom, gym or hallway), it should be remediated immediately.

Non-friable ACM do not readily release fibers into the air. However, when they have greater than 10% damage, they can release fibers, so require immediate action.

For undamaged ACM, we recommend frequent monitoring for damage of all friable materials and non-friable materials that are in commonly used spaces in the school. Preventative maintenance is the only way to ensure children and staff are not exposed to asbestos

What kinds of health problems can Asbestos cause?

No immediate health impacts are expected from asbestos exposure in schools. However, breathing asbestos fibers in schools may increase the risk of developing cancer many years from now.

Children are very active, breathing more air while running and playing. Children take more breaths per minute than adults and are lower to the ground where asbestos fibers may settle. This puts them at an increased risk for asbestos exposure.

Are there any government standards around Absestos exposure?

The Environmental Protection Agency requires all asbestos containing material to be inspected by the school district every six months. This is documented in an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act Report (AHERA Report) the school district releases.

What kind of data resources are there about this?

The EPA and the CDC both provided information on asbestos and the health risks.

I think there might be Asbestos in a school building. What can I do?

Report any leaks, missing or warped ceiling tiles, damaged pipe insulation, damaged floor tiles, mold, and any other damaged materials in schools by taking photos and uploading them to the Philadelphia Healthy Schools App. Reports will get back to the School District and be worked on.

Ask the Philadelphia School District for more information and updates on damaged asbestos containing materials that have not been remediated. Advocate for your school’s damaged asbestos to be abated timely.

Request to have a Asbestos Hazard Assessment Report created for your school by the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health. The hazard assessment report uses publicly available AHERA reports to evaluate your school and explain the safety status of the asbestos.

Find reports on School District of Philadelphia schools here