What Every ISD Needs to Know About Asbestos and Mold

In school facilities, asbestos and mold are two of the most common—and most misunderstood—environmental hazards. Both can remain hidden for years, causing health, safety, and compliance issues if not properly identified and managed.

For Independent School Districts (ISDs) across Texas, managing these risks isn’t optional. It’s a matter of protecting students, staff, and the community—and ensuring your district remains in full regulatory compliance.

1. Understanding the Risks

Asbestos

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials through the late 20th century. It’s commonly found in floor tiles, ceiling panels, insulation, pipe wraps, and other building components in older schools. The risk arises when these materials are disturbed—through renovation, repair, or even routine maintenance—allowing microscopic fibers to become airborne.

Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain in the lungs for years and may contribute to long-term respiratory diseases. This is why testing, management, and abatement must only be performed by licensed professionals following federal and state regulations.

Mold

Mold, by contrast, is a biological growth that forms in areas with excess moisture. It can develop under HVAC units, behind walls, or anywhere water intrusion or high humidity persists. Unlike asbestos, mold grows quickly and can affect indoor air quality almost immediately. For schools, this means increased absenteeism, complaints from staff or parents, and potential health impacts for students with allergies or asthma.

In both cases, the key to prevention is early identification and prompt response—before small issues turn into costly remediation projects.

2. Regulatory Oversight and ISD Responsibility

Every ISD in Texas is bound by environmental safety regulations—especially when federal funds are used in construction or maintenance.

Asbestos: Schools must comply with the EPA’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). AHERA requires every public and private non-profit K–12 school to have an asbestos management plan, conduct periodic inspections, and ensure all abatement work is handled by licensed professionals.

Mold: While there isn’t a single federal rule for mold, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees licensing for mold assessment and remediation. Schools are required to use licensed professionals when the affected area exceeds 25 square feet.

Ignoring these requirements doesn’t just endanger health—it opens the district to legal, financial, and reputational risk.

3. Common Mistakes ISDs Make

Even well-intentioned maintenance teams can make missteps. The most frequent include:

• Renovating before testing. Demolition or remodeling without a licensed asbestos inspection can disturb hidden materials.

• Treating mold as a janitorial issue. Surface cleaning might hide symptoms but doesn’t remove the source or address airborne spores.

• Failing to document. Missing inspection reports or outdated asbestos management plans can trigger compliance violations during audits.

• Not scheduling re-inspections. Under AHERA, schools must re-inspect asbestos materials every three years and conduct periodic surveillance every six months.

These mistakes often happen when administrators assume environmental safety is handled “as needed” rather than through ongoing programs.

4. Building a Strong Risk-Management Plan

A proactive environmental plan protects both people and budgets. For ISDs, the process should include:

1. Baseline Assessments – Conduct asbestos and mold surveys in all facilities, especially older buildings or those undergoing renovation.

2. Written Management Plans – Maintain up-to-date asbestos management plans and include inspection schedules in your facilities manual.

3. Training and Awareness – Ensure maintenance staff and contractors understand when to stop work and call a licensed assessor.

4. Response Protocols – Establish a clear chain of communication for environmental findings, including who contacts parents or the public if necessary.

5. Partner with Licensed Experts – Work only with state-licensed assessors and remediators to ensure every project is properly tested, documented, and cleared.

5. Partnering with a Qualified Environmental Consultant

Champion Environmental Consulting works with school districts throughout Central Texas to create safe learning environments and peace of mind. Our licensed assessors perform asbestos inspections, mold assessments, and develop management plans that meet both federal and state requirements.

Whether your district manages two campuses or twenty, we help you stay ahead of compliance issues—and protect the people who depend on your facilities every day.

From emergency response to long-term environmental planning, Champion Environmental Consulting is your partner in proactive safety management.

Conclusion

For ISDs, environmental risk isn’t just about materials—it’s about management. By maintaining compliance, following proper testing procedures, and partnering with qualified professionals, districts can prevent exposure, reduce liability, and keep schools healthy for everyone inside. Contact us: Champion Environmental Consulting