Asbestos in Schools: What’s Changed by 2025?

Asbestos exposure in schools remains a serious concern, particularly in aging facilities built before the 1980s. Many older campuses still contain asbestos in ceiling tiles, insulation, floor adhesives, and pipe coverings. When disturbed during maintenance, renovations, or even daily wear and tear, these materials can release dangerous fibers into the air.

EPA Finalizes Ban on Chrysotile Asbestos

Despite being less brittle than other types of asbestos, Chrysotile asbestos still poses serious health risks for anyone who handles or comes near the material. The material consists of soft, curly fibers that are heat resistant.

In a landmark move that could potentially save many lives, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officially banned the use of chrysotile asbestos in 2024. This type of asbestos was still legally imported into the country and used in products like brake linings, gaskets, and roofing materials. The recent ban does not eliminate the material’s presence in older buildings and schools, but it does mark an important shift in federal policy as it pertains to asbestos use in this country.

The ban comes on the heels of continued advocacy by health professionals and victims of families who have continually advocated for preventing the conditions that lead to asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively connected to asbestos exposure. Chrysotile fibers remain a serious health risk, but the new policy may greatly reduce the use of the materials in schools and other buildings.

Critics of the ban note that schools are not required to remove existing asbestos, which leaves the burden of abatement programs on local and state governments. For school districts with aging infrastructure, that means the danger is far from over, but the supply chain feeding new asbestos risks has finally been cut off.

Compliance Remains a Major Concern in Public Schools

Even with progress at the federal level, many school systems continue to fall behind when it comes to inspections. In a 2025 audit, it was revealed that over four-fifths of schools in New York City with known asbestos concerns had not been inspected during a three-year period. This lapse raised serious questions about compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which mandates re-inspections every three years.

A major step forward came in 2023 when North Carolina announced a multi-year initiative to test more than 3,000 public schools and nearly 6,000 childcare centers for both asbestos and lead. The program, funded by $150 million in federal pandemic relief, prioritizes inspections in elementary schools, low-income districts, and older buildings.

Testing is coordinated through RTI International, which also provides sampling kits and on-site evaluations for schools lacking current reports. The public dangers of mesothelioma are well-documented, and youth offers no protection against the dangerous material that continues to cause often-deadly cases of mesothelioma.

At school districts across the country, aging buildings containing asbestos continue to place students and staff at risk. Routine maintenance has the potential to disturb deposits of asbestos and release the fibers into the air, where anyone nearby could potentially inhale the cancer-causing material.

Schools can play an active role in preventing asbestos exposure by documenting and disclosing which buildings contain asbestos. During renovations, following EPA guidelines can greatly improve the chances of safely containing and removing asbestos. When feasible, schools can prioritize the permanent closing of buildings that contain large amounts of asbestos.

FAQs

Q: What Happens When Asbestos Is Found in a School?

A: When asbestos is found in a school, administrators must follow strict federal regulations under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. This includes conducting a risk assessment, creating a management plan, and informing staff and parents. Immediate removal is not always required unless the material is damaged. Air monitoring and abatement procedures must be handled by certified professionals to protect students and faculty from exposure.

Q: Is It Illegal to Have Asbestos in Schools?

A: It is not illegal to have asbestos in schools if the materials are intact and do not release fibers. However, federal law requires schools to inspect buildings and maintain an asbestos management plan. Damaged or deteriorating asbestos must be repaired or removed. School districts are legally responsible for preventing exposure and must notify parents and employees about the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials.

Q: How Easy Is It to Be Exposed to Asbestos?

A: Asbestos exposure in schools typically occurs when materials are disturbed, damaged, or improperly maintained. Ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, and floor tiles can release fibers if broken. Routine renovations, drilling, or leaks may increase risk. Undisturbed asbestos is generally safe, but once airborne, the fibers are dangerous. Exposure to asbestos is preventable with proper inspection, containment, and compliance with federal asbestos safety standards for school buildings.

Q: Is There Asbestos in School Ceilings?

A: Yes, many school ceilings contain asbestos, especially in older buildings constructed before 1980. Common materials include ceiling tiles, sprayed-on insulation, and joint compounds. These materials are not dangerous unless disturbed or deteriorated. Schools must inspect and document the condition of asbestos in ceiling systems as part of their management plan. If the material is damaged, trained professionals must handle removal or repair.

Q: What Are the Rules for Removing Asbestos From Schools in 2025?

A: In 2025, asbestos removal from schools must comply with both EPA and OSHA regulations. Only licensed abatement contractors can perform the work, and the school must provide proper notice to parents and staff. Removal must occur during off-hours or school breaks, and air clearance testing is required after the work. Keep up with updated state-level rules for the most current rules regarding asbestos removal.

You Deserve Answers. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. Today

Asbestos continues to threaten students, teachers, and school staff in aging buildings across the country. Even with stronger inspection protocols in 2025, delayed abatement, poor enforcement, and outdated infrastructure leave many at risk. At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we understand how these failures affect families and communities.

Our team has decades of experience holding school districts, contractors, and manufacturers accountable. If you or your child developed health problems linked to asbestos exposure in a school, we want to hear your story. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.