The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a final risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for asbestos focusing on its legacy uses and disposals. This evaluation found that asbestos, including types like chrysotile and Libby asbestos, poses an unreasonable risk to human health, particularly due to inhalation exposure which can cause serious health effects like cancer, including mesothelioma. As a result, the EPA must take action to manage and reduce these risks by enforcing stricter regulations on the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing products. The evaluation process was guided by scientific evidence, public and peer review comments, and statutory requirements.
Simple Explanation
The EPA checked how an old building material called asbestos can still be dangerous to people's health, finding out that it can cause serious sicknesses like cancer. Now, they have to make new rules to help keep people safe from asbestos.