By Ed Stuber
We’ve got an exciting Industrial Hygiene update for April! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a ban on the continued use of asbestos, a known carcinogen with serious health repercussions. This is a ground-breaking step to prioritize public health and safety. As we continue to adapt to environmental pressures, this important breakthrough represents a turning point in the country’s efforts to ensure chemical safety and create a safer future for all.
The EPA initially banned asbestos in 1989 but this was overturned shortly after in 1991. Now, after several decades, the last of the asbestos types is finally completely banned from use. This significant action is projected to save an estimated 40,000 lives annually and an essential step in safeguarding the public’s health and highlights the need of acting proactively to address asbestos associated risks.
While asbestos has long been linked to major health hazards and frequently found in a variety of industrial uses, SGS understands the critical importance of this new restriction and is fully equipped to support the transition. We offer a comprehensive range of services including the provision of pumps, media, and analysis for airborne asbestos fibers or asbestos types and percentages in bulk building materials. Our advanced laboratories are equipped to conduct NIOSH 7400 for airborne fibers (PCM) and EPA 600\R-93/116 (PLM) for bulks. Additionally, our labs can perform NIOSH 7402 – TEM analysis for airborne asbestos fibers, ensuring thorough and accurate assessment.
Acknowledging the pressing necessity to tackle the health hazards associated with asbestos, SGS aligns with the EPA’s decision and is committed to ensuring guidance and support through this shift. Additionally, we have the expertise and resources to facilitate the analysis and identification of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring compliance and safety measures are effectively met.
As the country moves closer to a safer and healthier future, we are dedicated to assisting you every step of the way. Whether you are testing asbestos in air, water, building materials, soil/rock, settled dust or attic vermiculite, we guarantee regulatory compliance, providing comprehensive support and expert analysis to ensure the highest safety standards are met.
For more information on our asbestos testing services, please click here.