E.P.A. to Propose Restrictions on Asbestos

Apr 6, 2022
E.P.A. to Propose Restrictions on Asbestos

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Neither firm responded to a request for remark. Frank Reiner, the president of the Chlorine Institute, which represents chlorine producers and distributors, stated his member firms must assessment the proposed rule earlier than commenting.

The trade considers the usage of chrysotile asbestos to be secure, he stated. “In chlorine manufacturing there have been measures in place for a lot of, a few years,” Mr. Reiner stated. “It’s our perception that now we have been utilizing it safely and taking applicable measures.”

America Chamber of Commerce stated in an announcement that banning chrysotile asbestos could have “unintended penalties” as a result of it’s used within the manufacturing of chlorine, which is used to deal with consuming water. Marty Durbin, president of the chamber’s vitality institute, stated the E.P.A. ought to take a “extra lifelike method to asbestos regulation.”

About 300 metric tons of chrysotile asbestos have been imported to the U.S. in 2020, in keeping with a United States Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries report. It’s nearly solely used to make chlorine-based merchandise, the E.P.A. stated.

An analysis performed in 2020 by the E.P.A. discovered “unreasonable dangers to human well being” related to asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks and different merchandise.

Restrictions on asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets for business use would take impact two years after the efficient date of the ultimate rule. Prohibitions relating to grease area brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, different car friction merchandise, and different gaskets for business use would take impact 180 days after the rule goes into impact.

Linda Reinstein, president and founding father of Asbestos Illness Consciousness Group, stated the 5 different types of asbestos are simply as harmful and ought to be banned. She famous that one of many greatest threats is legacy asbestos, stemming from many years of unbridled use of the product in building, constructing insulation and the manufacturing of many merchandise.

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