Exposure in Schools

Concern led to widespread asbestos removal and abatement

Measurable asbestos levels in schools are usually 100 to 1,000 times below OSHA’s permissible exposure limit of 0.1 fibers/cc of air for asbestos (Holland and Smith 2003). However, ATSDR does not use occupational standards when considering the risks to health of the general population from asbestos in the general environment. A specific environmental health risk assessment process is used.

Over time, public concern led to widespread removal and abatement programs. Some facilities have higher levels of airborne asbestos after removal than before, highlighting the importance of proper encapsulation or removal by trained and certified contractors.