Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

How the US EPA Regulates Asbestos

Posted on 12/10/2013 by Roseanne Bottone

The dangers of asbestos are well documented; it’s known to cause diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Because of the hazards asbestos poses to human health and the environment, both the US EPA and OSHA regulate the safe handling and disposal of this material.
 
 
What Is Asbestos?
 
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate, or mineral fiber, found in the Earth’s crust. It has many unique properties that made it a useful ingredient in certain products. Asbestos is resistant to heat and fire, for instance, and it does not conduct electricity.
 
EPA Regulations Workshops Banner
 
Asbestos was traditionally used as a component in insulation, vinyl floor tiles, shingles, pipes for hot water and steam, furnaces, non-flammable fabrics, automobile brakes and clutches, and other materials which took advantage of the minerals resistance to heat and fire. During the 1970s and 80s, the significance of asbestos’ health hazards was recognized and the US EPA and other government agencies around the world restricted its future use.
 
The danger for those exposed to asbestos is the material’s miniscule fibers, which are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These fibers can get into the air and water supply, or settle on the ground where they can be disturbed and breathed in. Inhaling these fibers can cause a build-up of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis and result in loss of lung function that often progresses into a disability and/or death. Additional health risks associated with asbestos include:
 
  • Mesothelioma; a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest cavity, or abdomen
  • Lung cancer that may develop 20 to 50 years after exposure
  • Pleural plaques; changes in the membranes surrounding the lungs
  • Pleural effusions; abnormal collections of fluid between the lungs and the inside wall of the chest
Asbestos Removal RegulationsGenerally, exposure occurs only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way, releasing the fibers into the air. These days, the heaviest exposures are in construction and repair occupations, where employees are renovating, repairing, or demolishing old asbestos construction. Workers in the few industries still manufacturing asbestos products, such as automotive brake pads, are also likely cases for exposure.
 
 
EPA’s Asbestos Regulations
 
Asbestos is regulated as a Hazardous Air Pollutant under the Clean Air Act in 40 CFR Parts 61 and 63.
 
  • 40 CFR 61, Subpart M includes monitoring, control, and reporting requirements for various activities that could emit friable asbestos to the ambient air (that is, the air outside of buildings), including the act of demolishing/renovating an existing structure which has asbestos-containing material (ACM). The rules for controlling asbestos emissions from demolition/renovation activities are found at 40 CFR 61.145
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) also requires EPA to establish controls on asbestos:
 
  • In schools (40 CFR 763, Subpart E): identifying asbestos-containing material, sampling, and managing in a timely fashion
  • In non-OSHA asbestos abatement projects (40 CFR 763, Subpart G): protecting state and local government employees who are not currently protected by OSHA’s asbestos standards
  • In certain products (40 CFR 763, Subpart I): prohibiting the manufacture, importation, processing, distribution, and labeling of certain asbestos-containing products
Discover the EPA air, water, and land rules that apply to your facility! At the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop, you will identify the major EPA programs that affect your day-to-day operations and get the knowledge and resources needed to comply. Topics covered include the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, FIFRA, TSCA, EPCRA/Superfund, and more!
 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA, osha, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.