Asbestos Ombudsman
Asbestos Resources
Learn more about Asbestos through EPA’s comprehensive Asbestos information hub. There you can learn more about The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and its regulations which require public school districts and non-profit schools including charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions to:
- Inspect their schools for asbestos-containing building material.
- Prepare management plans and to take action to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards.
In addition, if removal of asbestos during renovation is warranted, or school buildings will be demolished, public school districts and non-profit schools must comply with the Asbestos National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations. State and local agencies may have more stringent standards than those required by the federal government.
The EPA Asbestos Ombudsman can provide clarity and resources in relation to asbestos policies and regulations.
Additional EPA asbestos resources include:
- Asbestos Laws and Regulations
- Resources for Schools and Parents
- EPA Regional Asbestos Contacts
- State Asbestos Contacts
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Asbestos
Statutory Authority
EPA’s Asbestos Ombudsman role is a requirement defined under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.
§2652. Asbestos Ombudsman
(a) Appointment
The Administrator shall appoint an Asbestos Ombudsman, who shall carry out the duties described in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) Duties
The duties of the Asbestos Ombudsman are:
- to receive complaints, grievances, and requests for information submitted by any person with respect to any aspect of this subchapter,
- to render assistance with respect to the complaints, grievances, and requests received, and
- to make such recommendations to the Administrator as the Ombudsman considers appropriate.
(Pub. L. 94–469, title II, §212, as added Pub. L. 99–519, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2987.)