New York City Schools Fail to Meet Asbestos Inspection Requirements

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News Summary

An audit reveals that over 82% of NYC schools with asbestos have not been inspected since 2021, endangering the safety of students and staff.

New York City Schools Fail to Meet Asbestos Inspection Requirements

In a shocking revelation, an audit conducted by the New York City Comptroller’s Office has uncovered a startling failure within the New York City Department of Education (DOE). Over 82% of schools built with asbestos have not undergone the necessary inspections between 2021 to 2024. This negligence compromises the safety of countless students and staff across the city.

Understanding the Scope of the Issue

According to the audit, a total of 1,700 schools in New York City were identified as having asbestos materials in their infrastructure. Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which was implemented in 1986, schools are mandated to provide thorough inspections every three years and follow up with periodic checks. However, the DOE conducted between 200 and 250 inspections during the last assessment period, falling woefully short of the necessary 480 inspections a year.

A Troubling Trend of Non-Compliance

The audit revealed a worrying trend of non-compliance that has persisted since 1997, where only an average of 11% of schools were inspected properly within each cycle. The compliance rates varied greatly across different boroughs: Brooklyn saw the lowest inspection rate at a mere 13%, followed by Queens at 16%, Staten Island at 21%, Manhattan at 20%, and the Bronx at 25%.

The Case of P.S. 107

A particularly alarming example is P.S. 107 in Brooklyn, which has not had a mandatory asbestos inspection since 2008. This gap in oversight raises urgent questions about the continued exposure of students and staff to potential health risks associated with asbestos.

Calls for Action

In light of the audit findings, Comptroller Brad Lander has emphasized the necessity for compliance with federal regulations to safeguard the well-being of everyone involved. There is a glaring risk that insufficient inspections could lead to increased exposure to asbestos, placing vulnerable populations at serious health risk.

The DOE, while acknowledging the issues raised by the audit, plans to implement measures to rectify the situation. They intend to request additional contractors to help expedite the ongoing inspections. Moreover, the DOE has agreed to adopt eight recommendations from the audit that focus on enhancing new protocols, improving staff training, and maintaining accurate records.

The Role of Custodial Staff and Community Concerns

While custodial staff are reportedly tasked with conducting routine inspections, the failure to meet federal schedules has led to rising safety concerns. Parents and officials alike have expressed varying perspectives regarding the risks associated with asbestos, highlighting the critical difference between contained and disturbed asbestos material. Awareness of these distinctions is essential for communities to feel secure in their school environments.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The audit report is slated for public release and will undoubtedly stir more discussions about asbestos safety in schools. As the Department of Education prepares to address these significant oversights, it is imperative that stringent measures are put in place to ensure that such negligence is not repeated. The health and safety of New York City’s youth and educators depend on it.