Asbestos

Updated: October 2018

Summary: An overhaul in 2016 of the main U.S. chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, required EPA to choose the first 10 chemicals for risk evaluation. Asbestos, one of the first 10 chemicals, is a known human carcinogen that continues to kill 10,000 Americans every year. While many of its uses have ceased, it is still used by the chlor-alkali industry and can be imported in certain products such as brake pads.

What kinds of products may use it?

Insulation
Vinyl flooring
Roofing and siding
Paint
Coating/insulation for hot water pipes
Automotive brake pads, brake linings, gaskets, and clutches
Textiles treated to be flame retardant
Asbestos cement (used for shingles or pipes)

What hazards does it pose?

Known human carcinogen
Asbestosis (non-cancerous disease caused by scarring of the lungs)
Pleural disease (non-cancerous disease that thickens the lung membrane and causes fluid buildup)

Who may be exposed or most at risk?

Workers and occupational bystanders in asbestos processing and chlor-alkali industries or using commercial products containing asbestos
Individuals removing, disturbing, or handling old construction materials or auto parts containing asbestos
Individuals living in asbestos-contaminated areas as a result of past industrial operations or improper demolition and disposal

Production profile (2015)

U.S. manufacture (import only): 750,000 lbs
Number of importers: 2
Number of import sites: 2

What industries use it?

Chlor-alkali (manufacture of chlorine and caustic soda/lye)
Construction
Automotive repair
Adhesives and sealants

Asbestos additional resources

1-bromopropane

Carbon tetrachloride