"WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Wednesday issued a regulation it said would impose new restrictions on asbestos, a deadly substance once commonly found in insulation materials.
The final Environmental Protection Agency rule goes somewhat further than the initial version the agency had proposed, but public health advocates said it still fell short of the protections needed.
Under the rule, the agency will require companies to obtain federal approval in order to domestically manufacture or import specific types of products using asbestos. Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, the E.P.A. assistant administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention, said the rule would “close the door” on using asbestos without approval.
Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire and electricity but are also known carcinogens. Under the rule, if a company wanted to use the substance in any of 15 specific ways, including as a component in floor tile or roofing felt, it would have to seek E.P.A. review and approval. Previously banned asbestos items like pipe insulation would remain banned."
Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times April 17, 2019.
SEE ALSO:
"EPA Announces Nearly Complete Ban On Asbestos" (CNN)
"Critics Say New EPA Rule Could Reintroduce Asbestos Use" (The Hill)
