Asbestos Containing Materials
Tim Kaster, Director of Buildings & Grounds
During the mid-1900’s, asbestos was used in hundreds of different applications where heat resistance, mechanical strength, and insulating qualities were needed. Typical uses included brake linings, pipe insulation, sprayed-on acoustical insulation, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles. In the 1960’s and 70’s however, the health hazards associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibers began to be recognized. In particular, the repeated exposure to airborne asbestos fibers has been linked to lung cancer and asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissue). As a result, Congress has enacted a number of laws regulating the manufacture and handling of asbestos products. In 1986, congress passed the “Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act” (AHERA) which, among other things, required school districts to inspect all buildings for the presence of asbestos, assess its condition, and develop plans for the removal or maintenance of the asbestos.

All of the major buildings operated by the Centerville Community School District have been inspected and any suspected asbestos containing materials (ACM) have been sampled, tested, and cataloged. ACM’s that were determined to be an immediate health hazard have been eliminated. ACM’s that do not present a hazard at this time (e.g.,  floor tile) are monitored and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they do not deteriorate to the point that they become a hazard. The results of the inspection and testing at each facility, as well as the District’s plan for maintaining the ACM’s in that facility, are documented in the buildings’ “Asbestos Management Plan.” A copy of the plan is kept in the front office of each building and is available for your review during regular business hours. In addition, you may contact me if you need any additional information not contained in the Management Plans.