Search Frequent Questions

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• Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), are five transmission electron microscopy (TEM) outside air samples required to be collected with the five inside and the two blanks if the inside samples and blanks are below 70 structures/mm2?

  The five outdoor samples must be collected in addition to the five indoor samples, the two field blanks, and the one sealed blank for a total of thirteen air samples. (40 CFR part 763.90(i)(3)) If the five inside samples are below 70 structures/mm2 and the volume of air used for…

  • Last published: March 15, 2024

• Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), are there any size or volume constraints on the amount of asbestos that can be disturbed or removed during any single small-scale, short-duration project?

  Yes, size and volume constraints exist on the amount of asbestos that can be disturbed or removed during any single small-scale, short-duration project. Unit I.A.8 of Appendix C to Subpart E in 40 CFR part 763 provides some useful guidance about how to understand small-scale, short-duration activities. For example, small-scale…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• What specifically must be inspected in a school building subject to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? How far does an inspector have to go to inspect for asbestos?

  The asbestos-containing materials in schools rule requires local education agencies (LEAs) to ensure that accredited inspectors conduct a thorough and complete inspection. This includes all of the steps listed in 40 CFR part 763.85(a)(4) of the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule. However, in most cases, EPA does not intend that…

  • Last published: April 22, 2024

• What should a school do if it finds thermal system insulation (TSI) in a ceiling space, pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

  If the space in which the TSI is discovered has never been inspected in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) inspection requirements, then such an inspection must be undertaken and should focus on all such previously unexpected space above a drop ceiling in which TSI is present…

  • Last published: April 22, 2024

• What are the qualifications or training needed by an individual who teaches the 2-hour asbestos awareness training and the 14-hour additional training for maintenance and/or custodial employees under the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule?

  The asbestos-containing materials in schools rule (40 CFR part 763, subpart E) does not require specific qualifications for instructors who perform O&M training. EPA recommends, however, that local education agencies (LEAs) select instructors with a professional or educational background in the asbestos field. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• Does EPA require Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) accreditation for asbestos-abatement professionals when conducting “small-scale, short-duration” operations and maintenance activities?

  EPA does not require Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan (MAP) accreditation for asbestos-abatement professionals when conducting “small-scale, short-duration” operations and maintenance activities. However, operations and maintenance (O&M) training under the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule (not MAP accreditation) is required for “small-scale, short-duration” activities done in schools. Also, EPA recommends O&M…

  • Last published: April 22, 2024

• Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), when acquiring samples of multi-layered material such as wallboard, do you sample both the wallboard and the joint compound as separate materials or can you take a weighted average of both?

  As stated in the January 5, 1994 Asbestos Sampling Bulletin clarification, joint compound and wallboard form a “wall system,” and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) therefore recommends the use of a composite analysis for this material. See 59 FR 542; see also 60 FR 65243 (1995). For joint compound (not…

  • Last published: April 23, 2024

• Was my school required to be inspected for asbestos?

  Yes, unless the building architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of the school building certified in writing that no asbestos materials were used in the building’s construction. Otherwise, all public and non-profit private primary and secondary schools need to be inspected for asbestos. The results of the inspections…

  • Last published: April 24, 2024

• Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), do you have to label enclosed or encapsulated asbestos-containing building material ACBM in routine maintenance areas?

  Yes. 40 CFR part 763.95(a) of the asbestos in schools rule states that “[t]he local education agency shall attach a warning label immediately adjacent to any friable and non-friable ACBM and suspected ACBM assumed to be ACM located in routine maintenance areas (such as boiler rooms) at each school building…

  • Last published: April 22, 2024

• What is Upper-Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)? What is HVAC UVGI? Can either be used to disinfect the air and help protect myself from COVID?

  A professionally designed system of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) that is well installed and maintained can effectively kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and help protect people from the disease indoors. Typically, UVGI systems are installed near a room ceiling (upper-room UVGI) or inside the HVAC system of a building…

  • Last published: December 5, 2024

• What’s the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces?

  At EPA, products used to kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces are registered as antimicrobial pesticides. Sanitizers and disinfectants are two types of antimicrobial pesticides. Action What does it do? Does EPA regulate the product? Cleaning Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter from surfaces using soap or detergents. EPA regulates cleaning products…

  • Last published: October 28, 2024

• How can I increase ventilation at home to help protect my family from COVID-19?

  Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air is a standard best practice for improving indoor air quality. However, by itself, increasing ventilation is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, increasing ventilation can be part…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• Can running the HVAC system in my home help protect me from COVID-19?

  By itself, running your HVAC system is not enough to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19. However, when used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, operating the HVAC system can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family…

  • Last published: August 27, 2024

• Why are disinfectants marketed and sold under different brand and product names?

  List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Companies that register disinfectant products can allow other companies to sell the product under their own product and company name. This is…

  • Last published: April 10, 2024