Asbestos Information: What is AHERA?

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), a provision of the Toxic Substances Control Act, was passed by Congress in 1986. AHERA requires local education agencies to inspect their schools for asbestos-containing building material and prepare management plans to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards.

Public school districts and non-profit private schools (collectively called local education agencies) are subject to AHERA's requirements. This includes charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions.

EPA provides local education agencies and parents and teachers with information about the AHERA asbestos-in-schools requirements through mailings and other outreach.

Courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency