The Law and Regulations Concerning Asbestos
Several government created entities are involved in the regulation of asbestos and protecting the public from and warning them about its dangers. Exposure to asbestos, even a solitary incident, can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis and other cancers. Probably the most well-known federal regulatory agency is the Environmental Protection Agency, which is responsible for protecting human health and the environment.
Among other things, in 1990 the EPA published Federal Register, Part V, Asbestos, Publication of Identifying Information, and Notice. In this document, the manufacturers and producers of asbestos-containing products and materials disclosed which of their products contained asbestos, the years they contained asbestos, the trade name of the products, the intended use of the products, and the distinguishing characteristics of the products, such as its appearance or texture. All of this information was turned over by the companies in accordance with the Asbestos Information Act of 1988.
Another agency involved in environmental regulation and setting of safety standards regarding asbestos use, removal and disposal is OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration. OSHA sets and mandates the standards for workplace safety and health.
Regulations enacted concerning asbestos include the Toxic Substances Control Act, which authorized the EPA to regulate asbestos in schools and public and commercial buildings under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). AHERA is a law that requires the agencies regulating local school systems to inspect their schools for asbestos-containing building materials and to develop plans for the reduction of any potential asbestos hazard. In furtherance of this goal, AHERA also developed a program for the training and accredidation of people and groups performing certain types of asbestos work.
Finally, pursuant to the Clean Air Act of 1970, the EPA established the Asbestos National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The goal of this organization is to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during the handling of asbestos. It specifies and mandates the practices and procedures to be followed during renovation, demolition, or other asbestos abatement activities when there is a potential for the release of asbestos into the air.
