Asbestos Exposure: Unraveling the Hidden Threats

A group of six naturally occurring, fibrous, silicate minerals known as asbestos appears chemically inert, or as close as possible to that. Most substances do not react with them, and neither do they dissipate nor burn. Chrysotile’s outer brucite layer loses magnesium in acidic and neutral aqueous solutions.

Asbestos is a contaminant of water, air, and soil when it is used in construction, mining, demolition, and manufacturing activities. The asbestos contain long-lasting fibers that penetrate deeply into the lungs, resulting in mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, and other illnesses. Therefore, several jurisdictions around the world have banned its use.

Regulatory history

• In 1973, the Environmental Protection Agency prohibited spray-applied asbestos-containing insulation and fireproofing.
• Asbestos block insulation and asbestos pipe insulation were prohibited in 1975 by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• In 1989, the EPA issued a final rule under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) outlawing most asbestos-containing products. However, most of the original ban on the importation, manufacture, or distribution in commerce of most asbestos-containing products originally covered by the 1989 final rule was overturned in 1991.
• A final rule issued by EPA in April 2019 strengthens its ability to rigorously review an extensive list of asbestos products that have been removed from the market. The U.S. government had to approve the sale before it could be resold. As a result, the EPA now has the authority to prohibit the use of these products or impose limitations to protect public health.

Types of Asbestos

These can be divided into two groups: serpentine and amphibole.

1. Amphibole Asbestos

Amphibole asbestos fibers are straight and jagged.

• Crocidolite
• Amosite
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite

2. Serpentine Asbestos

Chrysotile asbestos is the only serpentine type, and this also known as “white asbestos”.

Which Industries are affected by the asbestos ban?

Industries involved in the manufacture of high-temperature products and materials will be affected. The asbestos ban may have an impact on businesses involved in mining, mineral processing, and construction.

Construction products and machinery carry asbestos because it is an effective insulator. They become even more durable when asbestos is used in products like cloth, paper, cement, and plastic.

Asbestos is regulated by EPA (Environmental protection agency), and the main priority is to protect the public from the adverse health effects of asbestos, a known carcinogen. asbestos was one of the first ten chemicals selected by the EPA to undergo risk evaluation under TSCA.

The prevention of asbestos exposure is crucial in protecting people’s health. It is advised to obtain professional assistance with testing, risk assessment, and safe removal if you suspect asbestos in your surroundings.

Conclusion:

ComplianceXL provides organizations with the consulting to understand the guidelines setup by the EPA pertaining to asbestos risk assessments. As a team of compliance specialists, we evaluate each new regulation introduced by regulatory authorities and each revision made by these authorities from time to time.

FAQs:

Q: What is asbestos exposure?

A: Asbestos exposure occurs when someone inhales or ingests tiny asbestos fibers, which can cause serious health problems.

Q: What are the health risks of asbestos exposure?

A: Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.