Posted on April 23, 2024
Please take time to read this email — your knowledge and comments are important for EPA’s Asbestos Part 2 Supplemental Evaluation Including Legacy Uses and Associated Disposals; Draft Risk Evaluation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act; Notice of Availability, Webinar and Public Comments process.
Two important Part 2 dates:
- May 13: EPA Webinar
- June 17: Public Comments submission deadline
This evaluation for the Part 2 risk evaluation encompasses various asbestos fiber types and associated uses and disposals. The EPA is seeking feedback from stakeholders on this draft document.
Webinar Information — Registration is Required by April 25:
The EPA has also announced a one-hour webinar scheduled for May 13 from 3-4 p.m. EST concerning the Draft Risk Evaluation for Asbestos Part 2. The EPA will be presenting during the webinar, but there may be an opportunity for brief oral comments.
- Date and Time: May 13, 2024, 3-4 p.m. EST.
- Registration: Must be completed by 12 p.m. on April 25, 2024, at EPA Webinar Registration.
- Register online at the EPA Webinar Registration Link
The main method of providing feedback on the draft evaluation is to submit written comments to the EPA by June 17, 2024.
Public Comment Submission:
- Deadline: June 17, 2024.
- Method: Comments should be submitted online, identified by docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2021-0254 via the Regulations.gov portal.
- Instructions: Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Avoid submitting Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other restricted information electronically.
Key Details of the Part 2 Risk Evaluation (405 pages), EPA Webinar, and Public Comments:
Part 2 of the EPA’s risk evaluation addresses legacy uses and disposals of asbestos, including, but not limited to, chrysotile asbestos, five additional fiber types, asbestos-containing talc, and Libby asbestos. The evaluation builds on the existing framework and findings of Part 1, focusing on the additional types and uses of asbestos not previously covered. ADAO will have a review of the index with possible focus areas for you to consider in your comments soon. Our index will also focus on specific risk analyses for various conditions of use that the EPA determined present and do not present an unreasonable risk, as well as their methodology for making risk determinations.
The EPA specifically seeks comments on:
- The overall assessment of risk as presented in the Draft Risk Evaluation.
- Specific sections of the Draft Risk Evaluation.
- Take-home exposure scenarios.
- Non-cancer endpoints used to characterize risk.
- The draft single risk determination suggesting that asbestos presents an unreasonable risk under current conditions of use.
Note: The EPA is not seeking comments on the hazard, exposure, or risk characterization sections from Part 1, as those remain unchanged.
Additional Resources:
For further details about the TSCA risk evaluation process or to get more information about this particular evaluation, please refer to the EPA’s Chemical Safety Webpage.
Your voice and expertise matter!
Linda Reinstein