Robert J. DeMalo, M.Sc., IEC Vice President and partner, shared his comment on the EPA proposed rule entitled “Asbestos Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos; Regulation of Certain Conditions of Use Under Section 6(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)” – both applauding the Agency’s efforts to further remediate asbestos use yet noting that more could and should be done.
As an EPA accredited asbestos building inspector and industrial hygienist with over 30 years of experience in the asbestos industry, I fully support the proposed rule to ban Chrysotile asbestos in the US. It is inconceivable that the US has not yet fully banned the importation of asbestos and its use in consumer products at this late juncture. In fact, the Asbestos Part 1 does not go far enough in addressing the legacy asbestos containing materials (ACM) remaining in 1,000's of buildings across the US as well as amphibole asbestos forms. While Chlorine use is an important part of the process to ensure access to safe drinking water, I believe the chlor-alkali industry has the necessary resources to investigate and implement alternatives in the 2-year phase in period. I applaud the EPA's efforts in moving forward with this proposed rule.
The public comment period, which had been extended 60 days through July 13th, has now officially closed. While the verdict is still out on the proposed rule, the EPA is moving in the right direction.
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