A.H.E.R.A. is an acronym that stands for Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1986 as a provision of the Toxics Substances Control Act, (TSCA). A.H.E.R.A. Inspectors are trained to identify "Suspect Asbestos Containing Materials" and extract samples which are tested to determine if asbestos is present.