Cinnaminson, NJ, March 8
th, 2021
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its
Final Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos this past December
. The document addresses the EPA’s determinations on which conditions of use may present unreasonable risks to the environment and human health. It was completed as part of the agency’s mission under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
While the EPA found no unreasonable risks to the environment under any of the conditions of use, it did find unreasonable risks to human health after reviewing uses of chrysotile asbestos. They include:
- Consumers and Bystanders: The EPA found unreasonable risks to consumers and bystanders from all consumer uses of chrysotile asbestos. Most consumer products containing chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued. Consumer products still available and for which EPA found unreasonable risk include aftermarket automotive brakes/linings and certain gaskets. Risks to consumers can come from the inhalation of chrysotile asbestos.
- Workers and Occupational Non-Users: Commercial chrysotile asbestos uses for which the EPA found unreasonable risk to workers include chlor-alkali diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products and other gaskets. Additionally, the EPA found unreasonable risks to workers nearby, but not in direct contact with chrysotile asbestos (known as occupational non-users) for the use of chlor-alkali diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks and other gaskets. Risks to workers and occupational non-users can come from the inhalation of chrysotile asbestos.
“There are actually six asbestos and asbestiform minerals that regulatory agencies in the United States recognize,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Chrysotile is one of those, the others include actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and tremolite. For decades these were used in countless products, including many building materials that still pose a risk to people if the asbestos fibers in them become airborne.”
The industrial hygiene, environmental and material testing laboratories of EMSL Analytical, Inc provide testing services for companies and institutions to keep up with regulations. With dozens of laboratories spread across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers testing services, sampling supplies, test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE). EMSL also 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, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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, VOC’s, 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.