Ban Asbestos in America Act: Mode of Action and Health Effects Study

(2) MODE OF ACTION AND HEALTH EFFECTS STUDY

(A) IN GENERAL- The Director, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Academy of Sciences, and appropriate Federal entities, shall conduct a study--

(i) to evaluate the known or potential mode of action and health effects of--

(I) non-asbestiform minerals; and

(II) elongated mineral particles; and

(ii) to develop recommendations for a means by which to identify, distinguish, and measure any non-asbestiform mineral or elongated mineral particle that--

(I) may cause any disease or health effect; or

(II) does not cause any disease or health effect.

(B) REPORT- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Director shall submit to the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, a report containing--

(i) a description of the manner by which non-asbestiform minerals and elongated mineral particles possess the ability to remain biopersistent in the human body, with regard to the ability of non-asbestiform minerals and elongated mineral particles--

(I) to exhibit resistance to dissolution and leaching; and

(II) to induce other physical, chemical, and biological processes as a result of contact with—

(aa) lung cells; and

(bb) other cells and fluids in the human body connected to a disease;

(ii) a description of the means by which to identify, distinguish, and measure any non-asbestiform mineral or elongated mineral particle that--

(I) may cause any disease or health effect, as determined by the Director, including—

(aa) mesothelioma;

(bb) any other form of cancer; and

(cc) any other non-cancer form of disease; and

(II) does not cause any disease or health effect; and

(iii) recommendations for such controls as the Director determines to be appropriate to protect human health.