Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in several industries, including the construction industry, due to its durability, heat resistance, and other attractive qualities, has been found to pose significant health risks. Asbestos exposure can lead to the development of various illnesses, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. While prolonged asbestos exposure is more likely to cause a disease like mesothelioma, the reality is that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Being exposed to asbestos once is enough to cause health issues.
Since the dangers of asbestos became widely known in the United States, laws have been established aimed at mitigating these risks. Rules are in place that address the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos to protect people. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule prohibiting the use of chrysotile asbestos in the United States. Below, we look at some of the laws pertaining to asbestos implemented by the EPA.
Key EPA Asbestos-Related Laws
The EPA has implemented several asbestos-related laws to protect Americans across the nation. The following is a look at these laws;
The Asbestos Information Act (AIA)
The AIA aims to identify companies making asbestos-containing products, provide transparency, help consumers make informed decisions, and provide safe product choices. The AIA requires companies manufacturing asbestos-contaminated products to report their production to the EPA, which then makes this information available to the public.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
This Act mandates educational institutions to inspect their schools for asbestos. Schools must also prepare management plans and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos risks. Under the AHERA, schools must conduct an original inspection and perform re-inspections after every three years.
The Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA)
ASHARA provides additional funding for asbestos abatement in schools. It also increases the training hours required for people involved in asbestos inspection and management in schools. This ensures that the individuals handling asbestos in educational institutions are adequately educated and certified.
The Clean Air Act (CAA)
Under the CAA, the EPA has a duty to improve the nation’s air quality in order to protect Americans. Under this Act, the EPA is required to, among other things, set emission standards for dangerous air pollutants, including asbestos.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
This law addresses dangerous waste sites in the United States. Under the CERCLA, asbestos is a hazardous substance. CERCLA allows the EPA to identify parties that may be responsible for environmental contamination and require them to clean up the site or provide compensation for cleanup costs. In cases where no responsible party can be identified, the Hazardous Substance Superfund allocates the EPA resources to address the contamination.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
This federal law protects the quality of drinking water. Under this Act, the EPA establishes standards for drinking water and supervises the states, local governments, and suppliers that enforce these standards.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.