EPA fines Arizona charter schools for asbestos violations
Pointe Educational Services and The Charter Foundation, two charter school organizations in Arizona, have been fined $22,030 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for asbestos violations. The two groups operated seven charter schools that had not been inspected for asbestos and did not have asbestos management plans, which are required by law.
Asbestos is a toxic substance that was commonly used in building materials because of its resistance to fire, heat and water. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, however, they can cause asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma or other serious illnesses. Failure to follow federal asbestos regulations can potentially endanger the health of teachers, students and employees at the schools.
Once inspections were completed, asbestos was found at only one of the seven schools, North Pointe Preparatory Academy in Phoenix. All of the schools have developed an asbestos management plan in compliance with federal law since receiving the fines.
For the full story, go to ABC15 News.
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