Protecting Students and Staff from Hidden Asbestos Hazards
Many of Chicago’s public schools and older educational buildings were constructed decades before the dangers of asbestos were widely recognized. Even today, asbestos remains a serious concern in ceilings, insulation, flooring, and pipe wrap within school buildings.
Common Question: Do Chicago schools still have asbestos?
Yes. A significant number of school buildings in Chicago — especially those built before 1980 — still contain asbestos materials. While not dangerous when undisturbed, aging infrastructure, renovations, or damage can release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found in Schools?
In older educational facilities, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are often located in:
Ceiling tiles and spray-applied insulation
Pipe insulation and boiler wrap
Vinyl floor tiles and adhesive
Ductwork and wallboard joint compounds
Over time, even minor maintenance or water damage can disturb these materials, releasing invisible fibers into classrooms and hallways.
Statistic: More than 15 million students and 1.4 million teachers attend U.S. schools containing asbestos.
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
What Are the Health Implications for Students and Staff?
Asbestos-related diseases often take years to develop, making early exposure particularly dangerous for children. The health risks include:
Mesothelioma (a rare, aggressive cancer)
Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
Lung cancer (risk increases with exposure and smoking)
Children are more susceptible to these risks due to their developing lungs and longer post-exposure life expectancy.
Regulatory Standards and School Compliance
Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), all public and private schools are legally required to:
Conduct inspections every 3 years to identify asbestos-containing materials
Maintain and update an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)
Notify parents, teachers, and staff of the presence and handling of asbestos
Ensure that only licensed professionals perform abatement
Failure to comply can lead to federal penalties and puts student safety at risk.
Steps for Safe Asbestos Abatement in Schools
At EHC Industries, we work with Chicago school districts and facility managers to ensure compliance and safety. Our school abatement process includes:
1. Professional Inspection and Sampling
We assess the entire building and test materials in areas of concern — including crawlspaces, mechanical rooms, and above ceilings.
2. Risk Assessment and Containment Plan
Our team develops a custom containment strategy using negative pressure zones, HEPA filters, and protective barriers.
3. Certified Abatement and Disposal
We safely remove, encapsulate, or enclose ACMs while minimizing disruption to school activities.
4. Clearance Testing and Documentation
Post-removal testing ensures air quality levels are safe and the facility complies with AHERA and IDPH standards.
Investing in Safer Learning Environments
Asbestos exposure is entirely preventable when handled properly. By investing in proactive inspections and remediation, Chicago’s schools can protect students and staff — while avoiding costly legal and public health consequences down the line.
Statistic: In 2022 alone, more than 300 U.S. schools reported asbestos-related health violations.
Source: Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Partner with EHC Industries for School Asbestos Remediation
We specialize in asbestos management for schools, universities, and commercial buildings in the greater Chicago area. Our team is licensed, insured, and trained to meet the highest safety standards.
📍 Based in Chicago | Serving Cook County and surrounding regions
🌐 www.ehcindustries.com