EPA Proclaims Final Rule to Ban Ongoing Uses of Chrysotile Asbestos

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently 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. 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, according to the EPA announcement. 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.

“Asbestos is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “In fact, EPA warns it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths each year in just the United States. Chrysotile and the other forms of asbestos were used for decades in countless products, including many building materials. These items, found in residential, commercial, and institutional properties still pose a risk if the asbestos fibers in them become airborne.”

Dedicated to protecting workers and the public, and to helping companies maintain regulatory compliance, are the asbestos experts at CTSI. Their professionals have performed thousands of asbestos related projects across the country in over 100 million square feet of space. CTSI’s services comply with all new and existing federal, state and local rules and regulations.

To learn more about asbestos or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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