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Asbestos oversight crisis in New York City schools
In a shocking revelation, a recent audit conducted by the New York City Comptroller’s Office has uncovered that over 82% of the city’s schools built with asbestos have not undergone the necessary inspections mandated by federal law.
This alarming statistic highlights a significant oversight in the Department of Education (DOE), raising serious concerns about the safety of students and staff in these educational institutions.
Understanding the audit findings
The audit, which spans from March 2021 to March 2024, indicates that the DOE has failed to meet the minimum national standards for asbestos management for years.
According to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), schools with asbestos must be inspected every three years. However, the audit revealed that the DOE conducted only 200 to 250 inspections during the last three-year period, falling drastically short of the required 480 inspections annually.
Moreover, even when inspections were conducted, the follow-up actions were alarmingly inadequate, with only 22% of required follow-ups completed. This trend of negligence has persisted since 1997, with an average of just 11% of schools being properly inspected during each cycle.
The implications of these findings are dire, as they expose students, teachers, and staff to potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
The call for action
Comptroller Brad Lander emphasized the urgent need for the Adams Administration to take immediate action to rectify this oversight.
“Our first job in government is to keep New Yorkers secure,” he stated, underscoring the responsibility of the city to protect its children from known hazards. Parents trust the city to ensure their children’s safety, and the failure to comply with inspection protocols is a breach of that trust.
In response to the audit, the DOE has acknowledged the shortfall and plans to issue a formal request for additional contractors to assist with inspections. They have also agreed to implement eight recommendations from the audit, which include establishing new protocols, enhancing training for custodians, and improving record-keeping practices. These steps are crucial in restoring confidence among parents and ensuring a safe learning environment for students.
Looking ahead: Ensuring safety in schools
The audit’s findings serve as a wake-up call for the city to prioritize the health and safety of its students. With the highest number of schools located in Brooklyn, the DOE’s completion rate for required inspections was only 13%, while Queens fared slightly better at 16%. These statistics are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for systemic changes within the DOE.
As the audit is set to be released publicly, it is imperative for the community to remain vigilant and advocate for the necessary reforms. Ensuring that schools are safe from hazardous materials like asbestos is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a moral obligation to protect the future generation. The time for action is now, and the city must rise to the occasion to safeguard the health of its children.
