STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

SEC. 1409. STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. (a) Study Authorized.— The Secretary of Education, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, is authorized to conduct a study of the extent to which asbestos, lead in drinking water, or radon gas pose a threat to the health and safety of students and employees of institutions of higher education. (b) Survey Required.— Such study shall include a survey of a representative sample of institutions of higher education in order to assess how widespread such hazards are. A sufficient number of institutions shall be sampled and tested in order to provide reasonable estimates on— (1) the number of institutions which contain friable asbestos (as defined in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) and how many students and employees may be exposed to unsafe levels of asbestos fibers, (2) the number of institutions that have rooms which contain more than 4 picocuries/liter of radon, and (3) the number of institutions which contain water fountains or faucets or water coolers which discharge water with more than 10 parts per billion of lead. (c) Consultation.— In designing and carrying out such study, the Secretary shall consult with associations representing institutions of higher education, faculty, and other employees. (d) Report on Study.— The Secretary of Education shall submit a report with the results of the assessment, including the information required by subsection (b), along with recommendations by the Secretary regarding what actions, if any, Congress and the Administration should take to ensure that environmental health hazards, if any, are eliminated. The report shall be presented to Congress not later than July 1, 1995. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.— There are authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 in fiscal year 1994 for the purposes of carrying out this section.