A recent audit by the New York City Comptroller’s Office revealed that over 80% of public school buildings known to contain asbestos did not undergo federally mandated inspections during the 2023–2024 school year.
Between May 2023 and April 2024, only 22% of schools with known asbestos-containing materials received the required six-month periodic inspections. These inspections are mandated under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), a federal regulation designed to protect students and staff from potential asbestos exposure.
Breakdown by Borough (Inspection Compliance Rates):
- Brooklyn: 13%
- Queens: 16%
- Staten Island: 21%
- Manhattan: 20%
- Bronx: 25%
The audit also noted that some schools, such as P.S. 107 in Brooklyn, had not been inspected for asbestos since 2008.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education stated that school custodians receive annual training in asbestos awareness and emphasized that any construction or building modifications require asbestos testing beforehand. The spokesperson noted that the primary risk arises during activities like drilling or renovations, which can disturb asbestos fibers and make them airborne.
Comptroller Brad Lander emphasized the health risks, particularly to children, stating, “No level of exposure is safe. Prolonged exposure to asbestos during childhood can cause lung disease and cancer.”
Medical experts echo these concerns. Asbestos becomes hazardous when fibers are disturbed and inhaled, which is why exposure is common in industries like construction where the material may be cut, drilled, or damaged.
Under AHERA, public and non-profit schools are required to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing materials and to update management plans every six months. Failure to comply poses potential public health risks, especially in older buildings where asbestos is more prevalent.
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