Under which act does the EPA regulate asbestos?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This act was enacted to provide the EPA with authority to require reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements, and to impose restrictions relating to chemical substances and mixtures. TSCA allows the EPA to evaluate new and existing chemicals, including asbestos, and to take regulatory action when they pose an unreasonable risk to health or the environment.

Understanding the specific role of TSCA in regulating substances like asbestos is essential for those working in environmental safety and health fields, particularly in the context of inspection and abatement of hazardous materials. The focus is on protecting public health by managing potentially hazardous substances before they can impact health adversely, thereby addressing the concerns associated with asbestos exposure effectively.