What is the main regulatory framework governing asbestos in the United States?

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is the primary regulatory framework governing asbestos in the United States. This law grants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to regulate the manufacture, import, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of chemical substances, including asbestos. Under TSCA, the EPA can require reporting and testing of chemicals and restrict their use if found to pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment.

While OSHA regulations do play a crucial role in protecting workers from asbestos exposure in the workplace by setting permissible exposure limits and providing guidelines for safe handling, they operate within the framework established by TSCA. The Environmental Protection Agency guidelines also provide important information and strategies for managing asbestos, but they are often derived from the directives of TSCA. The Workers Safety Act does not specifically govern asbestos; instead, it focuses on broader workplace safety regulations.

By understanding TSCA as the main law concerning asbestos, it becomes clear how it shapes the policies and protective measures related to asbestos in various environments, whether industrial, residential, or commercial.