Posted on April 7, 2023

Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen that poses a significant threat to public health with no safe level of exposure or controlled use. Each year, over 40,000 Americans die from asbestos-related diseases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been addressing this issue by proposing a ban on chrysotile asbestos in six conditions of use, including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, oilfield brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets.

Following discussions with stakeholders, including the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), EPA sought public input on managing prohibition deadlines for chrysotile asbestos processing, distribution, and commercial use. They released a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to explore options such as maintaining existing compliance dates, staggering them, or setting longer deadlines. The deadline for submitting public comments is April 17, 2023.

ADAO’s research confirms that OxyChem and Westlake, the only chlor-alkali companies importing and using asbestos, have been transitioning to safer, more cost-effective, non-asbestos technology. However, some chlor-alkali corporations, including OxyChem and Westlake, continue to prioritize profits over public health by importing large amounts of raw chrysotile asbestos. The public comments submitted on April 4 indicate that Olin Corporation ceased asbestos imports in 2021, and have begun to transition their plants to non asbestos diaphragms. While they have begun the process, there is still a ways to go. 

Since EPA began to implement the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act (LCSA) in 2016, the chlor-alkali industry has remained the sole importer of raw chrysotile asbestos. Despite this, other chlor-alkali plants have already adopted non-asbestos technology. EPA is currently accepting public comments on the additional data received after the proposed final rule public comment period and its consideration during the development of the final rule.

As we draft our comments, ADAO will continue to urge EPA to prioritize public health and implement risk management measures that safeguard the well-being of workers and communities. EPA should consider the compelling evidence highlighting the absence of safe chrysotile asbestos usage and the critical need for protecting public health in developing the final rule.

The deadline for submitting public comments is April 17, 2023.

Linda Reinstein
Social Networks