On November 27, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released Part 2 of its Risk Evaluation for Asbestos. The agency evaluated legacy asbestos uses and disposal under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This is an ongoing evaluation process. You can find a timeline of the EPA’s actions at the end of this article.
This evaluation follows Part 1, which was released in December 2020. Part 1 resulted in a rule banning chrysotile asbestos use. Part 2 increased the scope of evaluation to all 6 of the main asbestos types plus their legacy uses. Part 2 also examined the risks of asbestos-containing talc and Libby amphibole asbestos.
What Did the EPA Find?
The EPA determined legacy asbestos uses and disposals pose an unreasonable health risk. Associated health risks include asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers. These health risks were found with all types of asbestos.
People face higher risks of exposure if they work on demolition or renovations of older buildings. These structures are more likely to have been built with asbestos products. Others, like firefighters and family members of asbestos workers, also face greater health risks.
What Are the EPA’s Next Steps?
The EPA plans to start the risk management process for the unreasonable risks it found. Future actions may address legacy asbestos uses and disposal processes. The EPA intends to propose a regulation to help protect public health.
It has not released a timeline for when it will release the proposed rule. It may take anywhere from several months to over a year.
