Audit Uncovers Alarming Asbestos Inspection Failures in New York City Schools

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News Summary

An audit reveals serious deficiencies in asbestos inspections in NYC public schools, raising health concerns for students and staff.

Audit Uncovers Alarming Asbestos Inspection Failures in New York City Schools

In a shocking revelation, an audit has unveiled that the New York Department of Education (DOE) has failed to perform adequate inspections for asbestos in the majority of New York City public schools from 2021 to 2024. The findings raise serious concerns about the safety of students and staff in a city where legacy asbestos is still prevalent.

Disturbing Inspection Statistics

According to the audit, only a mere 18% of public schools known to contain asbestos received the mandated three-year inspections as per the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Furthermore, merely 22% of schools had completed the required six-month inspections. These failings illustrate a significant negligence in adhering to health regulations intended to protect the welfare of students.

The audit also revealed that the lack of inspections is not a recent issue but part of a longstanding pattern, with failures tracing all the way back to the late 20th century. Alarmingly, it was discovered that on average, only 11% of schools have undergone inspections during every inspection cycle since 1997.

Borough Breakdown of Inspections

The situation varies across boroughs, with Brooklyn exhibiting the lowest inspection rate at only 13%. Other borough statistics were similarly troubling, with Queens at 16%, Staten Island at 21%, Manhattan at 20%, and The Bronx at 25%. Disturbingly, one public school in Brooklyn has not been inspected since 2008, raising alarm bells for teachers and parents alike.

Asbestos: A Hidden Danger

Asbestos, famously known for its cancer-causing properties, is closely linked to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Its dangers become pronounced when materials containing asbestos become friable, allowing microscopic fibers to be inhaled or ingested. The audit calls into question the rigorousness of custodial staff’s assessments that currently check for loose or exposed asbestos but likely overlook deeper risks.

The Broader Context of Legacy Asbestos

This audit sheds light on a broader issue of legacy asbestos, as almost 90% of U.S. public schools were constructed before 1985—a time when the dangers of asbestos were less understood. The presence of asbestos-containing materials poses no immediate threat unless disturbed, but with increasing construction and renovation activities, the probability of exposure could soar.

Recent data indicates that approximately 3,000 mesothelioma cases have been reported in recent years, a staggering statistic that highlights the ongoing risks associated with asbestos exposure. The situation is exacerbated in Philadelphia, which faces similar challenges regarding asbestos in schools.

Recommendations and Activist Concerns

The audit’s findings have prompted city officials to recommend stronger management and stricter inspection protocols within the DOE. Activists have voiced vigorous concerns about the implications of failing to address asbestos inspections, emphasizing that it is both a health and workplace issue that can no longer be ignored.

Moreover, history has shown the city’s repeated promises to tackle the asbestos issue since the 1990s. With around 1,100 out of the 1,400 schools that were supposed to be inspected historically failing to receive required inspections, the lack of accountability raises red flags for community members.

Urgency for Action

In light of these alarming findings, there is a growing demand for swift action to comply with federal asbestos regulations, aimed at ensuring the safety and welfare of students and staff. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are left concerned about the potential health ramifications of neglecting this pressing issue.