News Summary
An audit reveals that over 80% of New York City public schools failed to conduct mandatory asbestos inspections as required. Only 18% of schools underwent the necessary federal inspections, raising significant concerns for student safety. With alarming statistics showing that many schools haven’t been inspected for years, community outcry is growing for the Department of Education to prioritize student health and safety against this hazardous material.
Audit Uncovers Alarming Asbestos Inspection Failures in New York City Public Schools
New York City has found itself at the center of a concerning public health issue following an audit released by City Comptroller Brad Lander. The findings reveal that the New York Department of Education (DOE) has not been meeting its obligation to conduct mandatory inspections for asbestos in over 80% of city public schools between 2021 and 2024. In short, when it comes to keeping our children safe from this hazardous material, the DOE seems to have dropped the ball.
Staggering Statistics Show Neglect
What does this mean for our schools? Well, the audit makes it clear that only 18% of schools with asbestos-containing materials underwent the required three-year inspections laid out by the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Even more worrying is the statistic that merely 22% of the schools received their necessary six-month inspections. This negligence has been reported for years—the audit points out that the DOE’s failure to comply with inspection standards stretches back to the 20th century. Essentially, every inspection cycle since 1997 has shown that most schools with known asbestos issues have gone unchecked.
The Numbers Behind the Findings
Diving deeper into the numbers, the audit highlighted that of about 1,400 schools designated for inspections, around 1,100 have not been properly evaluated. Breaking it down by borough, the inspection rates are less than reassuring:
- Brooklyn: Only 13% of schools inspected
- Queens: 16%
- Staten Island: 21%
- Manhattan: 20%
- Bronx: 25%
And just to really drive home the point—one school in Brooklyn hasn’t had an inspection since 2008! Those are numbers that would make any parent or educator feel uneasy about the safety of their school environment.
Understanding the Risks of Asbestos
Now, let’s talk about what makes asbestos such a nasty player in school safety. This natural mineral is infamous for causing serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer, especially when its fibers are inhaled or ingested. While it’s true that just having asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings doesn’t automatically pose a risk, when these materials get disturbed, they can release dangerous fibers into the air. This is particularly concerning in schools where kids are constantly moving around and potentially disturbing these materials.
The Road Ahead for the DOE
In light of these distressing findings, the DOE has claimed they are currently working to better their inspection processes. They plan to engage more contractors to tackle the backlog of inspections required. While they assure that regular inspections conducted by custodial staff can lessen immediate risks, the audit emphasizes significant gaps in their current oversight. It’s like saying, “Trust us; we’re working on it,” but parents, teachers, and public health advocates are demanding action—and they’re right to do so.
Community Outcry and Union Support
Unsurprisingly, the audit has generated a wave of concern from parents and educators regarding the safety of children in these schools. The teachers’ union has stepped up, pledging to provide more support for anyone raising asbestos-related concerns. Their commitment adds another layer of assurance that the safety of our children remains a top priority.
Demand for Change
City Comptroller Lander has called for the DOE to comply fully with applicable federal asbestos regulations. In his view, the safety of children and staff in New York City schools shouldn’t be a matter of compliance; it should be a fundamental priority. Bottom line: the audit has revealed serious oversights that need urgent attention and rectification. Ensuring safe learning environments for our kids should always come first, and it’s time for the DOE to step up and deliver.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Mesothelioma Guide: Failed Asbestos Inspections in NYC Schools
- NBC New York: NYC School Asbestos Inspections Lacking
- CBS News New York: NYC Public Schools Asbestos Inspection Audit
- Google Search: Asbestos Inspections NYC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Asbestos
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
