EPA Reopens Asbestos Rule RFI, Delays Proposed Risk Management to 2027
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EPA Reopens Request for Information on Legacy Asbestos Uses
Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is reopening a Request for Information on a proposed rule to address risks from legacy uses of asbestos, according to Safety+Health Magazine. The agency set a June 3, 2027 target for publishing a proposed risk management rule.
Scope of the Reopened Request
Agency officials seek data on activities that disturb materials containing asbestos, use of legacy products, air-sampling methods, and laboratory capabilities. Legacy uses include asbestos-containing construction materials in older homes such as floor and ceiling tiles, pipe wraps, and insulation. Part 2 of the risk determination covers five types of asbestos fiber as well as talc and Libby asbestos.
Timeline and Prior Actions
In December 2024 the EPA issued Part 2 of a final risk determination and stated it would begin rulemaking to address unreasonable risk from legacy uses and associated disposal of asbestos, according to Safety+Health Magazine. The agency indicated that additional information is needed to clarify who is exposed, how often, under what conditions, and the costs and benefits of potential actions. The comment deadline on the reopened request is August 24.
Related Regulatory Developments
EPA’s Part 2 determination followed a final rule banning use and import of chrysotile asbestos under Part 1. Enforcement of that ban has been delayed by legal challenges. The Trump Administration announced its intent to reconsider the final rule. In June the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments concerning the ban.
Stakeholder Response
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization issued a press release calling the delay unacceptable. ADAO President and CEO Linda Reinstein stated that under the Toxic Substances Control Act the 2024 risk evaluation findings obligated EPA to move to risk management within one year. Reinstein noted that asbestos exposures occur daily as workers, contractors, and homeowners encounter asbestos in millions of buildings.
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