EPA Announces OPPT 2007-2008 Accomplishments Report for Asbestos

EPA OPPT Accomplishments Report for Asbestos January 2007 - June 2008

Read the 2007-2008 Accomplishments Report from the EPA with regard to asbestos.

Accomplishments

On April 2, 2007, EPA released a new brochure that provides health and safety information for professional and do-it-yourself mechanics who may work with asbestos-containing automotive components. Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers emphasizes the need to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping into the air during repair work. While it is impossible to tell if clutch and brake components contain asbestos, the brochure advises that mechanics should automatically assume the possible presence of asbestos.

The brochure:

-- Emphasizes ways to avoid asbestos exposure, such as warning against blowing dust from brakes and clutches with compressed air,

-- Summarizes work practices by detailing three recognized methods for containing asbestos dust in a professional automotive shop, and

-- Lists do's and don'ts for do-it-yourself mechanics (e.g., not taking work-clothing inside the house to prevent exposing family members to asbestos dust).

EPA responded to a public inquiry stating that the MAP does not prohibit online annual refresher training and that states may approve such training courses at their discretion. On July 9, 2007, EPA provided states with guidelines for evaluating online MAP annual refresher training courses.

View EPA's Asbestos Web site for more information about specific asbestos issues. EPA has a toll-free hotline for asbestos issues (1-800-471-7127).

Other helpful links:

Asbestos Asbestos
Asbestos and lung cancer Asbestos and lung cancer
Mesothelioma attorney Mesothelioma attorney
Mesothelioma Lawyer Mesothelioma lawyer
Asbestos attorney Asbestos attorney