EPA Announces Final Rule to Ban Ongoing Uses of Chrysotile Asbestos

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos. The ban on ongoing uses is the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the nation’s chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Chrysotile asbestos is the only form of asbestos known to be imported, processed or distributed for use in the United States in recent years, according to the EPA announcement. It can be found in various products, including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets.

“This new final rule is good news for Americans,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As the EPA reports, exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer. Tragically, it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths each year in just this country. The agency has set compliance deadlines to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos, which are as soon as is practicable for each use while also providing a reasonable transition period.”

Chrysotile and the other forms of asbestos were used for decades in countless products, including many building materials. These still pose a risk to people if the asbestos fibers in them become airborne. Dedicated to protecting workers and the public, and to helping companies maintain regulatory compliance, are the industrial hygiene, environmental and material testing laboratories of EMSL Analytical, Inc. With dozens of locations spread across North America, EMSL offers asbestos testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment.

A number of years ago, EMSL even sponsored an educational video about chrysotile that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/8mSVCJMD_E4

To learn more about asbestos or other material, occupational, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail