EPA Intervenes in Ohio & West Virginia Schools to Address Asbestos and Lead Paint Hazards
The recent intervention by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at three Ohio schools managed by Accel Schools Ohio LLC—Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy, and STEAM Academy of Warren—highlights critical environmental hazards that pose significant health risks to students and staff. The EPA’s actions come in response to complaints received by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in March 2024 regarding asbestos at Youngstown Academy of Excellence. Subsequent inspections revealed not only deteriorating paint but also deficiencies in asbestos management plans and potential lead paint hazards across the three schools.
EPA Directive and Required Actions:
Under the EPA’s directive issued under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Accel Schools Ohio LLC is mandated to undertake several urgent measures:
Restrict Access and Inform Parents: Accel Schools must immediately close all areas identified with asbestos and lead paint hazards until thorough testing confirms they are safe. Additionally, they are required to promptly communicate the identified risks to parents and guardians of students attending these schools.
Conduct Comprehensive Abatement: The schools are required to conduct full assessments to identify and remediate all asbestos and lead paint hazards present. This process includes careful removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials and the safe handling and removal of lead-based paint, adhering strictly to EPA guidelines to prevent further exposure.
Health Risks and Preventive Measures:
The health risks associated with asbestos and lead paint are particularly concerning, especially for children. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, while children exposed to lead paint are at risk of damage to their brain and nervous system. These hazards can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems, impacting a child’s academic and personal development.
In response to these risks, the EPA and local health officials are coordinating efforts to provide resources to affected families. This includes offering free blood lead testing events to ensure early detection and intervention, critical in mitigating the long-term effects of lead exposure.
Legal and Regulatory Context:
Accel Schools Ohio LLC, which operates 77 schools, including many in Ohio, West Virginia, and 15 online schools nationwide, faces stringent deadlines and regulatory scrutiny from the EPA. The agency has issued a notice of violation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and has requested compliance records related to the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and lead-based paint regulations. These actions underscore the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding educational institutions accountable for maintaining safe and healthy environments for students and staff.
Beyond the immediate remediation efforts, this case highlights broader concerns about environmental safety in educational settings, particularly in older school buildings where asbestos and lead paint are more common. The EPA’s intervention demonstrates the legal obligations and federal environmental regulations schools have to comply with and ensure the safety of their learning environments.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an illness due to asbestos exposure, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us today at 412-471-3980 to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
