Asbestos Monitoring

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was once widely used in building materials due to its thermal insulating, fire resistance and high-strength properties. Intact, asbestos-containing building materials generally do not pose a health risk. These materials may become hazardous, however, if they are damaged, disturbed or deteriorate resulting in the release of asbestos fibers into the building air. Prolonged exposures to airborne asbestos fibers may result in the increased potential for individuals to contract illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer.

As part of Des Moines Public Schools’ committment to the health and safety of our students and staff is implementing an asbestos operations and management plan controlling exposures to asbestos within it’s school buildings and facilities. The principal components of this program include:

• the requirements and responsibilities for surveying DMPS buildings for asbestos-containing materials;
• providing employee training and notifications;
• identifying appropriate work procedures for activities that may disturb ACM; 
• proper ACM disposal procedures.

To download a complete copy of the district’s plan click here.