Asbestos has been making the news lately. The EPA has concluded asbestos exposure poses an “unreasonable” risk in many cases. Read on to learn more from the report at the very respected chemistryworld.com
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that commercial and consumer uses of asbestos present an ‘unreasonable risk’ to human health, in a new draft risk evaluation mandated under the updated Toxic Substances Control Act that governs America’s chemical policy. The agency found that workers, consumers and bystanders could be harmed by exposure to asbestos under certain conditions.
The EPA said health risks – including cancers – were increased from exposures in the chlor-alkali industry, as well as use of oil field brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes or linings and other vehicle friction products. In its review, the agency did not evaluate asbestos exposure hazards to the general population, or the risks posed by legacy asbestos products.
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) took issue with the EPA’s preliminary findings, saying the agency failed to recognize the chlorine industry’s ‘long history of safe use’. While the EPA acknowledges that personal protective equipment (PPE) is effective, it appears to rely on ‘inaccurate assumptions that overestimate exposure risks for certain chlor-alkali workers’, the ACC argued. The chemical industry trade group emphasized that facilities using chrysotile asbestos diaphragms during the chlor-alkali manufacturing process adhere to established safety protocols – including engineering controls, training, as well as PPE – to minimize worker exposure to asbestos.
The EPA’s report is not final and is subject to public comment and also peer review by independent scientific experts. Almost a year ago, the agency was heavily criticized for a new policy that, rather than banning asbestos outright, required that manufacturers notify the agency and seek its approval before resuming use of the carcinogen. In 2018, the agency also proposed a framework to permit the approval for ‘new uses’ of products containing asbestos on a case-by-case basis.
Source: https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/us-agency-concludes-asbestos-exposure-poses-unreasonable-risk-in-many-cases/4011464.article
Asbestos, OSHA & AHERA Training Via Classroom & Online
The Asbestos Institute has provided EPA and Cal/OSHA-accredited safety training since 1988. From OSHA 10 to hazmat training and asbestos certification, our trusted and experienced instructors make sure participants get the high-quality initial and refresher training they need.
Classroom
We train on-site at our headquarters in Phoenix, AZ or at our clients’ sites across the U.S. We offer both English and Spanish courses. Browse Classroom Classes
Online
Online courses allow you to align your learning with your personal schedule. This is a great option for students with family and work commitments. Browse Online Classes
Webinar
Live webinars allow you to watch instructors on demand from the comfort of your home or office. Learn, chat with other students, and ask questions in real-time. Browse Live Webinars
Disclaimer
The Asbestos Institute is not the official authority to determine OSHA training requirements, which are set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA regulations are always being revised, added, and/or deleted, so you must not rely on The Asbestos Institute as the official authority of OSHA asbestos training requirements. Visit the official OSHA Asbestos Training Requirements page here.
