PHILADELPHIA – On Thursday, federal prosecutors accused Philadelphia’s public schools of neglecting proper inspections for asbestos damage in eight schools. The district has agreed to defer the criminal charges while they cover the costs for a court-supervised monitor to oversee their corrective actions.

Prosecutors said it was the first time a school district in the U.S. has faced such environmental criminal allegations.

The district faces eight charges for breaching the federal Toxic Substances Control Act by allegedly not conducting timely inspections over the recent five-year span.

Officials stated that the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement need a judge’s approval, enabling the district to avoid a grand jury indictment. Provided the school district adheres to relevant federal laws, the government may dismiss the charges in the future.

About 300 of the school district’s aging set of 339 buildings contain asbestos, the U.S. attorney’s office said in a release.

Asbestos, a construction material in wide use until the 1980s, has been linked to cancer and lung disease.

Investigators said some asbestos was improperly addressed and that schools have had to close as a result of asbestos problems. Prosecutors said the “longstanding and widespread problem” put students and teachers in danger.

The deferred prosecution agreement says the school system has already improved policies, procedures and compliance regarding asbestos inspections and abatement.

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. told The Philadelphia Inquirer the deferred prosecution agreement is a sign of the district’s progress in addressing the problem. He noted the district will train workers on asbestos management as part of the deal.