Asbestos News : EPA Proposes a Total Ban On Asbestos

12 Apr 2022

At OHSS, we offer expert asbestos consultation services, helping organisations across Ireland to protect themselves, their staff and building users against the killer material. Today, we’re here to bring you interesting news about asbestos from the United States of America. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US has recently proposed the complete ban of asbestos. Despite being outlawed in construction since the late 90’s, it continues to this day to be used in some types of chlorine bleach, sodium hydroxide as well as certain car parts.

Expanding on 2016 Regulations
If these new rules come to pass, it would result in the banning of the use of chrysotile asbestos - the only type used in engine gaskets and brake linings. Michael Regan, EPA administrator, called the change in regulations and important and necessary step required to protect public health and ‘Finally put and end to the dangerous use of asbestos in the US.”

He continued to say “the proposed ban demonstrates significant progress in our work to implement the 2016 law and take bold, long-overdue actions to protect those most vulnerable among us”.  And with around 15,000 Americans still being killed each year through asbestos exposure, it’s hard to argue against that sentiment. 

Protecting Irish Business From Workplace Hazards Since 2001 
Clearly, safe absestos removal and disposal is still as important now, some 20 years or more since the banning of the use of the substance in construction. At OHSS, we continue to protect Irish businesses from asbestos and many other workplace hazards - as we have done since our founding, back in 2001.

We are fully conversant with all asbestos regulations and we should your first port of call if you suspect that the material may be present in your workplace. For the sake of everyone in the vicinity, it’s imperative to conduct asbestos surveys to assess the situation before anything is done. 

You can find out more about us and the services we provide by visiting us today at www.ohss.ie, where you’ll see our complete range of occupational health services. However, if you’d prefer to speak to us directly about your needs, simply call us on (01) 6905907

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