Are public schools allowed to have plaster ceilings containing asbestos? This is a small rural Nebraska schoo

Question

There were fractures in the ceiling for years, and after a tree fell on the school the ceiling began to crumble and fall off. I tore it out and replaced it, but never thought of the possibility of asbestos. There was a heat duct going to the ceiling that was labelled as having asbestos in it, but I figured the would not allow a crumbly ceiling if it contained asbestos. Now I am freaking out!

Answer 1

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires public schools to have all buildings inspected to identify all asbestos containing building materials (ACBM). All identified ACBM must either be removed or encapsulated. Materials that are encapsulated must be maintained and inspected on an annual basis to ensure that no asbestos enters the air.

If the school is following the rules, cracking plaster that is an ACBM would not be allowed. I'm not sure how strictly this is enforced in Nebraska, especially in a small rural school. I would hope it is just as stringent as it would be anywhere else, but I know how things work sometimes.

The fact that you noted equipment labeled as ACBM sounds like at least the initial inspection was done. All of the AHERA documentation should be public record, so I would ask to see the documents for that building just to make certain.

If it was ACBM, not much you can do at this point medically other than monitor the situation. I would not loose too much sleep. Most of the people with health problems from asbestos worked with the raw material over a period of time. Similar to smoking, if you do it all of your life sooner or later you will have problems. One time exposure may not cause a problem, but better to keep an eye out for it.

Update -- found a bookmark I had to some info about AHERA. See http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/asbestos_in_schools.html

Answer 2

Well, for years, asbestos was used in practically all public buildings as a fire retardant. Any old buildings with asbestos are generally allowed to leave it in place. You must have a license to remove products that contain asbestos.

Since you mention that the pipe was labeled as containing asbestos... then I would think that the ceiling probably did not. Someone took the trouble of labeling the pipe specifically.

Quite often, people confuse the old popcorn texture with products containing asbestos.... when in fact it had some fiberglass in it.

If you have a sample of the old ceiling, send it to your local Health department, and they can send it off for testing.

If that is not available, then some research on the buildings blueprints is in order... you should be able to discover what was originally spec'd for the project. Maintenance logs would also be helpful.

Asbestos itself is only harmful if you breathe in the dust....a form of lung cancer can be found if the asbestos fibers lodge in your lungs. Asbestos does not "decompose" the way other products do...so, once it's in your lungs, its there to stay. Coming in contact with it, with your hands, or skin, is not considered harmful, only getting it in your lungs. I said all of that to say this... if you knew the ceiling was 'crumbly', hopefully, you wore a dust mask.

I also believe you can see your physician, and have some tests run, if you fear you have been exposed to asbestos... can't hurt to ask, and it might bring you some peace of mind.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Yep, the others are totally right! My mom had asbestos floor tiles in a room, and she was told the exact same thing. As long as it is encapsulated, it is good to go! If left alone, no harm; if messed with, then it's a big deal.

Answer 4

yep, bozotexino is right
asbestos is only a problem when exposed - they shouldn't attempt to remove it unless it is already damaged
during removal, there are very strict standards that have to be followed and air quality will be monitored

Answer 5

sure as long as its incapsuleted,or sealed like with paint,and no fibers are loose