Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral widely used in construction before the 1980s for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, and it still exists in some building materials today. Asbestos building materials can cause severe health problems like lung cancer and mesothelioma if disturbed or handled improperly, as the fibers become airborne when building materials are damaged and pose health risks to workers and building occupants. Many buildings, including schools, still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in Louisiana and are therefore subject to state and federal asbestos regulations to ensure that ACMs are properly handled.
Division Manager Madeline Dickson Sampling Asbestos
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) requested that all schools in Louisiana have an EPA-compliant asbestos management plan by 1988, with updates every three years. This plan should include a complete inventory of ACMs in the school, a schedule for inspections and re-inspections, documentation of adequate training for custodial and maintenance staff, and a plan for any necessary removal or remediation.
The potential for exposure to asbestos in schools is a concern for the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff and should be taken seriously. ACMs may become disturbed during maintenance or renovation activities, leading to fibers becoming airborne, or they may degrade over time as building materials are subjected to water damage, vibration, or normal wear and tear.
To address this issue, the LDEQ recommends that school districts develop an asbestos management plan in compliance with federal and state regulations. Leaaf Environmental can develop these plans and train school personnel on identifying, managing, and disposing of ACMs properly. Proper asbestos care in the school system includes regular inspections, development of management plans, training for personnel, and prompt remediation or removal of any identified ACMs that pose an imminent risk to human health or the indoor environment.
Leaaf Environmental has extensive experience in providing asbestos services to schools. Our team understands the importance of complying with state and federal asbestos regulations to mitigate these risks effectively and our goal is to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.
With extensive experience in providing asbestos services to schools, Leaaf Environmental offers a range of solutions tailored to your specific needs, while working closely with your school district, ensuring compliance and prioritizing the well-being of everyone within the school community. Leaaf Environmental is here to support you every step of the way, offering expertise, reliability, and peace of mind. If you are in need of help with asbestos, contact us at info@leaaf.com.
Check out some of our previous asbestos projects here.