The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 is a federal law that requires schools to inspect for asbestos and take action to reduce exposure to the hazardous material:
AHERA's main goal is to protect the health of students, teachers, and other school staff from asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause lung issues like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
AHERA requires the EPA to create regulations for schools, including:
Inspecting buildings for asbestos
Preparing management plans for asbestos
Taking action to reduce or prevent asbestos hazards
Accrediting people who inspect and perform corrective actions