Sudden Rise in Asbestos Imports as Ban Draws Closer

Importation of raw chrysotile asbestos into the United States increased dramatically earlier this year, despite the growing movement toward tighter regulation and a potential future ban of the product. The chloralkali industry — the only known user of raw asbestos today within the U.S. — imported an estimated 114 metric tons over the first three months of 2022, according to the United States International Trade Commission. In all of 2021, by comparison, the industry imported only 100 metric tons, the smallest amount in more than half a century. This sudden and dramatic rise in imports stems from a stockpiling philosophy, sparked by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposing a future ban earlier this year under an amended Toxic Substances Control Act. The proposed ban would include raw asbestos used by the chloralkali industry, in addition to vehicle friction products, brake blocks used in the oil industry, sheet gaskets, diaphragms and any other asbestos products also being imported today in unknown amounts. EPA Tightening Regulations In May, the EPA also proposed a new rule that would require much stricter record keeping and reporting of all uses of asbestos products and exposure-related information, which is not currently required. Both EPA proposals are currently under review and receiving public comments. The potential ban of asbestos imports could be implemented as early as 2024. A committee hearing in the U.S. Senate is scheduled for ...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos (general) Source Type: news