EPA finalized the rule of reporting and record-keeping requirements for Asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act. According to this rule, the person who manufactured (including imported) or processed asbestos and asbestos-containing articles (including as an impurity) in the last four years is required to submit a report. This report includes information related to exposure to asbestos, quantities, types of uses, and employee data.

The submission period will last for six months after the effective date of the final rule. Therefore, EPA requires manufacturers (including importers) and processors to collect and submit 9 months of information after the effective date of the final rule. 

The EPA will utilize the data collected to enhance future undertakings related to asbestos. The agency will also participate in the assessment of risks and management of activities to mitigate them. 

Asbestos is a group of highly fibrous silicate minerals found in rock and soil. It is a long thin strong fiber. It has sufficient flexibility to be woven, heat-resistant, chemically inert, and used as an electrical insulator. Asbestos is used as building construction material for insulation because it has good fiber strength and is used as a fire retardant because it has good heat resistance capacity. Lung cancer, ovarian cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma are the health effects caused by exposure to asbestos.  

TSCA section 8(a) information requirements: 

• • 1. Trade name, chemical identity, and molecular structure
  • 2. Categories of substance use
  • 3. The total amount of each substance manufactured or processed, and the total amount related to categories of substance use.
  • 4. Byproduct information during manufacturing, processing, and disposal.
  • 5. Need reasonable estimates of the number of individuals who will be exposed to each substance or mixture in their places of employment and the duration of their exposure!
  • 6. Method of disposal process of each substance or mixture and changes in method

References:

• • • • https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/tsca-section-8a1-reporting-and-recordkeeping
      • https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2021-0357-0001