What is the main objective of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)?

The primary objective of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is to safeguard school children and employees from the dangers of hazardous asbestos exposure. AHERA was enacted to address the serious health risks associated with asbestos, particularly in school environments where children could be at risk from exposure during their formative years.

Under AHERA, schools are required to identify asbestos-containing materials, implement proper management plans, and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to minimize exposure. This involves regular inspections, the development of response actions, and public awareness campaigns to highlight the potential dangers of asbestos. The act prioritizes the health and safety of students and staff, recognizing the urgent need to mitigate risks associated with asbestos in educational facilities.

The other options do not align with the core mission of AHERA; promoting industrial use or regulating commercial sales contradicts the act's protective focus, while monitoring asbestos levels in homes is outside the scope of AHERA, which specifically targets schools.