EPA ’s Latest Asbestos Regulation Falls Short of Full Ban

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a new regulation on Wednesday that will make it tougher to domestically manufacture, import or sell products made with asbestos, the toxic mineral that causes mesothelioma and other diseases. The regulation closes a loophole in the partial ban of asbestos that was legislated almost 30 years ago. It will strengthen the EPA’s ability to review and prohibit the use of a long list of asbestos products that are not banned but have been long abandoned by the industry. The ruling is part of a legislative process that requires the EPA to review its regulation of asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Wednesday’s ruling was tougher than what the EPA originally proposed — and was loudly criticized for — in 2018. But the agency’s decision still falls short of the complete ban of asbestos environmental groups and anti-asbestos advocates want. Critics Fear Rule Opens Door to Increased Use Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, EPA assistant administrator, said the rule would “close the door on certain asbestos products to prevent them from returning to the marketplace.” Linda Reinstein, president of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, called the regulation “toothless,” while insisting a total ban was necessary. Under the new rule, companies would need EPA approval before importing most asbestos products. “Prior to this new rule, EPA did not have the ability to prevent or restrict certain asbestos products from being re...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news