Which agency is primarily responsible for regulating asbestos exposure in schools?

The correct choice is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which plays a crucial role in regulating asbestos exposure in schools. The EPA established regulations and guidelines under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) that specifically mandate how schools must manage and respond to asbestos-containing materials. This includes conducting inspections, developing management plans, and ensuring that proper maintenance practices are followed to protect students and staff from asbestos exposure.

While other agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) focus on workplace health and safety regulations broadly, including exposure limits to asbestos in occupational settings, the EPA's targeted efforts with respect to schools are specifically designed to address environmental concerns related to asbestos in educational facilities. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) also contribute to public health concerns but do not directly regulate asbestos exposure in schools. Overall, the EPA's dedicated approach to managing asbestos risks in schools makes it the key agency in this context.