Annual Notification to Parents, Students, and Employees of the Charlo School District 7J
Required by the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule 763.84(c) and 763.93(g)(4)
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral which, until about 1980, was commonly used in building construction. Asbestos will not burn, is an excellent insulator, has great tensile strength, is resistant to chemicals, is a nonconductor of electricity, and absorbs sound. Examples of asbestos-containing building material (ACBM) are vinyl floor tile, sprayed-on acoustical ceiling material, pipe and boiler insulation, and roofing felt. As ACBM deteriorates over time, or is disturbed by maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities, it may become friable, i.e., it is capable of being reduced to powder by hand pressure. When ACBM becomes friable, asbestos fibers are released into the air. Inhalation of these airborne, microscopic asbestos fibers has been proven to cause such fatal diseases as lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung or abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (scarring of lung tissues). Uncontrolled asbestos contamination in buildings has been, and remains, a significant environmental and public health issue. In 1986, Congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to require public and private, secondary and elementary schools to identify ACBM in their school buildings and take appropriate actions to control the release of asbestos fibers. In 1987, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalized a regulatory program which enforces the AHERA mandate. These regulations are incorporated within the Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools Rule (40 C.F.R. Part 763, Subpart E).
In compliance with the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, the Charlo School District 7J had its school building(s) inspected by an asbestos inspector, accredited by the State of Montana. During that inspection, areas of suspect ACBM were identified. The type, condition, and location of this ACBM was noted. Insulation containing asbestos was removed from the elementary basement and both the elementary and high school service tunnels. The removal was completed by an approved abatement company. Qualified inspectors of the State of Montana took air samples and no asbestos was detected.
Upon confirmation of the presence of ACBM, an Asbestos Management Plan was developed for each of the school buildings in the Charlo School District 7J by an asbestos management planner, accredited by the State of Montana. The Asbestos Management Plans include a description of the measures currently being taken to ensure that the ACBM remaining in our school buildings are maintained in a condition that will not pose a threat to the health of our students and employees. These Plans describe past response actions taken to abate ACBM, as well as response actions planned for the future. The Asbestos Management Plans provide information on the periodic monitoring of the condition of ACBM remaining in our school buildings through triennial inspections, conducted by accredited asbestos inspectors, and through semiannual surveillance, conducted by trained school maintenance staff.
Copies of the Asbestos Management Plans are available for your review in the Charlo School District 7J administrative office during regular office hours. Joe Broom is the designated Asbestos Program Coordinator for the Charlo School District 7J. Please direct all inquiries regarding the Asbestos Management Plans to him at 406-644-2206.