Laws & Regulations

Non-Animal Testing Approach to EPA Labeling for Eye Irritation

This document is an update to EPA’s 2013 published alternative testing approach (using in vitro/ex vivo assays) for determination of eye irritation potential in the pesticide program under EPA's classification and labeling system.

Clean Air Act Permitting in Iowa

Information on permitting in Iowa and EPA's oversight.

SBAR Panel: Effluent Guidelines and Standards for the Metal Products and Machinery Category, Phases 1 and 2

SBAR panel for establishing effluent limitations guidelines and pretreatment standards for facilities that manufacture, rebuild, and maintain finished metal parts, products, or machines

If vermiculite insulation bulk samples analyzed by standard polarized-light microscopy (PLM) analysis is found to be less than 1% asbestos is it still considered an asbestos-containing material under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

Vermiculite insulation containing less than 1 percent asbestos does not qualify as asbestos containing material (ACM) under AHERA and the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule. If standard PLM analysis, ensuring that bulk samples comply with sampling requirements as laid out in 40 CFR part 763.86 and that subsequent analysis of…

Last published: February 23, 2026

If a building is on the premises of a local education agency (LEA) property and under the authority of the LEA, but is being used only as a private residence, is it subject to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

If the residence does not perform any of the functions listed or fall under any of the descriptions given in the definition of a “school building” in AHERA section 202(13) and the asbestos-containing materials in schools rule (40 CFR part 763.83), then it is not subject to AHERA. Other Frequent…

Last published: February 23, 2026

I work for a commercial lab and have questions on how to report the results of asbestos analysis for a local education agency (LEA). Who should I talk to?

You can contact the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) National Voluntary Lab Accreditation Program (NVLAP) at (301) 975-4016 or at NVLAP@nist.gov. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from Exposures…

Last published: February 23, 2026

If my children have been in a building with asbestos, do they need to see a physician? If I taught in a building with asbestos, do I need to see a physician?

Not necessarily. Asbestos does not pose a health risk if it is managed properly. However, if you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in the air, you should consult with a physician that specializes in lung disorders or occupational exposures. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About…

Last published: February 23, 2026

I thought asbestos was banned and then removed from schools years ago?

In March 2024, EPA set prohibition dates for the last remaining ongoing manufactured (including imported) asbestos uses in the United States. Asbestos-containing building materials are no longer imported into the U.S. However, asbestos-containing materials are still “managed-in-place” in schools. Under requirements set forth by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act…

Last published: February 23, 2026

If a private school has a daycare area, is the day care area excluded from the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) rule and/or the whole educational facility?

If the private school is non-profit, then all parts of the facility that would be considered a school building under 40 CFR part 763.83 would be covered. Conversely, if the private school is a for-profit institution, neither the school nor the daycare center would be subject to the regulation. Other…

Last published: February 23, 2026

If my school does not have any known or assumed asbestos containing building materials (ACBM), do I need to reinspect?

No. Only schools that contain friable and non-friable known or assumed ACBM must be reinspected once every 3 years. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings Information for Owners and Managers of Buildings that Contain Asbestos Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos Asbestos Contaminated…

Last published: February 23, 2026

If friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) is accidentally left behind after an abatement project had passed air clearance by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, do I need to re-test the air?

Yes. Both the visual inspection and the abatement were not properly completed under 40 CFR part 763.90(i)(1). The loose debris should be removed and the area thoroughly re-cleaned. Air monitoring should be repeated using TEM analysis for the functional space where the original abatement occurred. (40 CFR part 763.90(f) and…

Last published: February 23, 2026

How should the periodic surveillance results be documented pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)? How detailed does the information have to be and what constitutes adequate records?

40 CFR part 763.94(d) of the asbestos in schools rule pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires local education agencies (LEAs) to “record the name of each person performing the [periodic] surveillance, the date of the surveillance, and any changes in the conditions of the materials.” A…

Last published: February 23, 2026

I have seen the janitor machine-cleaning the floor tile in our school. Should I be worried that these machines will degrade the tiles and create a hazard?

Machine-cleaning of floor tile can be part of a good maintenance program for asbestos-containing floor tiles, as long as the machine is operated properly and the tiles are not in poor condition. EPA has issued special guidance on the proper maintenance of asbestos-containing floor tiles, and the guidance is available…

Last published: February 23, 2026

If a school has all asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) removed, how long do we need to keep records in the asbestos management plan pursuant to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

After all the ACBM has been removed, certain records listed under 40 part 763.94(a) can be discarded three years after the next scheduled reinspection. However, other records that are part of the management plan must be maintained indefinitely. Other Frequent Questions about Asbestos Learn About Asbestos Asbestos and School Buildings…

Last published: February 23, 2026