Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), enacted in 1986, is a U.S. law that requires schools to inspect for asbestos-containing materials and develop plans to manage or remove them safely. Asbestos was widely used in building materials for its durability but is now known to pose health risks when fibers become airborne and are inhaled, potentially causing diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. AHERA ensures schools assess asbestos risks, inform staff and parents, and take appropriate actions to protect students and staff from asbestos exposure, emphasizing safe management rather than outright removal unless necessary.