The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently imported, processed or distributed for use in the U.S. Utilized in water and wastewater treatment systems, piping and machinery sheet gaskets and other applications, chrysotile asbestos has long been linked to several types of cancer and mesothelioma, causing more than 40,000 U.S. deaths annually, according to the agency.
In addition to setting compliance deadlines for manufacturers to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos, EPA also is requiring strict workplace safety measures to protect workers from asbestos exposure during any phaseout periods longer than two years. Asbestos disposal work must be carried out in conformance with industry standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, and the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Recordkeeping is also required.
