Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final approval of the “Asbestos; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements” rule, which adds reporting requirements for asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The asbestos reporting rule comes amidst continuing concerns about the long-term risks of asbestos exposure. Even though most uses of asbestos were banned decades ago, thousands of Americans die of mesothelioma and lung cancer yearly due to exposure.
Companies that manufacture or process asbestos or asbestos-containing materials must disclose the quantities and types of asbestos used and provide data on employee asbestos exposure events. This one-time reporting requirement gives manufacturers, importers, and processors nine months to submit data covering the last four years. The EPA and other federal agencies will use this information to consider future regulatory actions, including risk evaluation and risk management activities.
The asbestos reporting rule follows a 2020 risk evaluation that found unreasonable risks to human health associated with six categories of asbestos products used in the chloralkali industry. The EPA plans to use data from the new reporting rule to better evaluate and address the health risks from the remaining uses and types of asbestos.
Mesothelioma litigation is often referred to as the longest-running mass tort in United States history. For legal help after an asbestos disease diagnosis, contact Shein Law. Call 877-743-4652 or complete an online form to schedule a consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.