September 2008
Dear Parents, Teachers, Building Occupants, and Employee Organizations:
In the past, asbestos was used extensively in building materials because of its insulating, sound absorbing, and fire retarding capabilities. Virtually any building constructed before the late 1970’s contained some asbestos. Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health risk. Asbestos materials, however, can become hazardous when, due to damage or deterioration over time, they release fibers. If the fibers are inhaled, they can lead to health problems, such as cancer and asbestosis.
In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which requires schools to be inspected to identify any asbestos-containing building materials. Suspected asbestos-containing building materials are located, sampled (or assumed) and rated according to condition and potential hazard.
The law further requires asbestos management plans to be in place by July 1989. The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District developed plans, as required, which have been continually updated. The plans have several ongoing requirement: publish a notification on management plan availability and the status of asbestos activities; educate and train its employees about asbestos and how to deal with it; notify short-term or temporary workers on the locations of the asbestos-containing building materials; post warning labels in routine maintenance areas where asbestos was previously identified or assumed; follow set plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of asbestos-containing building materials; and survey the condition of these materials every six (6) months to assure that they remain in good condition.
It is the intention of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District to comply with all federal and state regulations controlling asbestos and to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to lean and work. You are welcome to review a copy of the asbestos management plan in the school district administrative office or administrative office of the school during regular business hours. Mr. Alan Bolt of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District is our designated asbestos program coordinator, and all inquiries regarding the asbestos plan and asbestos-related issues should be directed to him at 973-428-7512.