Worldwide Effects of Asbestos Use

By Emily WalshWALLINGFORD, CT, US, Sep 14 2018 (IPS)Earlier this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States (EPA) issued a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) on asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is also a known carcinogen. Asbestos is the only definitive cause of mesothelioma, a cancer which affects the linings of internal organs.What is a Significant New Use Rule?A SNUR can be required when chemical substances or mixtures are under review for new uses that may cause changes to current policy, or create concerns around environmental health. There are four criteria to determine whether a SNUR is in order. They are volume, type of human or environmental exposure, extent of human or environmental exposure, and method or manner of processing and distribution of the substance.The rule states, “the Agency has found no information indicating that the following uses are ongoing, and therefore, the following uses are subject to this proposed SNUR,” before going on to list a number of uses that had previously been regulated under the Toxic Substance Control Act because of the health threats posed by asbestos in these capacities.Though sixty five countries around the world have banned asbestos, heavy hitters like Russia, China, and the United States have not Any person or corporation wishing to take advantage of the relaxation of asbestos regulations must notify the EPA at least 90 days prior to manufacturing.After the news of this new rule was released...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Environment Headlines Health North America Source Type: news