CONCORD — U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), founder of the Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced on Wednesday that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services will be receiving a $140,000 grant from the EPA to address asbestos contamination in schools by helping fund New Hampshire’s Asbestos in Schools Program.
The program will review school asbestos management plans to ensure compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, maintain an asbestos accreditation and certification training program, and provide educational outreach to parents, teachers, and school maintenance personnel on the dangers of asbestos exposure.
“Asbestos poses a significant public health risk, especially in the many older buildings in New Hampshire,”said Shea-Porter in a press release. “Healthy lungs are essential for all human beings, which is why I founded the Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus in 2010. Students must be protected from asbestos exposure in schools. This federal grant will help our state keep Granite State students safe from this hazardous material.”
“For the safety and health of our children, it is critical that we address and combat asbestos in our community, and particularly in our schools,” said Shaheen. “This grant will provide the necessary resources to prepare educators, administrative staff and parents with the information they need in the event of asbestos exposure. Protecting public health and keeping our kids safe will always be top priorities for me, and I’m glad to announce these important federal resources from the EPA, which will support those efforts here in New Hampshire.”
“Ensuring that our young people have the skills and critical thinking needed to succeed in the 21stinnovation economy begins with a safe learning environment,” said Hassan. “This federal funding will help protect our students and teachers from asbestos, helping ensure compliance with federal standards and better educating stakeholders about the dangers of asbestos exposure. I will keep working to ensure that our young people have what they need to become competent and confident learners and are prepared for future success.”
“When we send our children off to school, we shouldn’t have to worry that the building they are receiving their education in is potentially exposing them to asbestos, a well-known health hazard,” said Kuster. “These funds will help ensure that every Granite State student can learn in a safe environment. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this grant will have in New Hampshire and I will continue fighting for policies that protect the health and wellbeing of Granite State children and their families.”
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