What aspect of asbestos management does AHERA primarily focus on?

AHERA, which stands for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, specifically targets the control of asbestos in public school systems. This federal law was enacted to ensure that school districts take the necessary steps to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials in public and non-profit private schools. The regulations require schools to inspect for asbestos, develop a management plan, and conduct ongoing monitoring and maintenance to protect the health and safety of students and staff.

The emphasis of AHERA is on the safety of children and school personnel from potential asbestos exposure as they are particularly vulnerable due to their developing bodies and longer potential exposure times. By mandating various actions within school environments, AHERA aims to prevent hazardous exposures and promote a safer learning environment.

In contrast, the other options pertain to areas not covered directly by AHERA, such as the regulation of commercial mining, urban air quality monitoring, or management practices in private construction sites, which fall under different regulatory frameworks.