This bill significantly amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by establishing a comprehensive prohibition on commercial asbestos. Effective immediately upon enactment, it bans the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos and any mixtures or articles containing it. The legislation defines "commercial asbestos" to include specific asbestiform varieties processed for commercial value, while explicitly excluding asbestos present solely as an impurity. It clarifies that the ban applies to chemical substances under TSCA and does not affect other existing asbestos regulations or definitions. The bill also specifies that the terms "distribute in commerce" do not apply to the end-use of existing installed asbestos-containing materials or distribution solely for disposal purposes. A temporary exemption is granted to the chlor-alkali industry , allowing existing facilities to use and process asbestos fibers for diaphragms until January 1, 2030. Furthermore, the President may grant a limited, 3-year exemption for national security reasons if no feasible alternative exists, with a possible single extension. These exemptions require terms and conditions to minimize exposure and mandate public notification, unless national security is compromised.
This bill significantly amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by establishing a comprehensive prohibition on commercial asbestos. Effective immediately upon enactment, it bans the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos and any mixtures or articles containing it. The legislation defines "commercial asbestos" to include specific asbestiform varieties processed for commercial value, while explicitly excluding asbestos present solely as an impurity. It clarifies that the ban applies to chemical substances under TSCA and does not affect other existing asbestos regulations or definitions. The bill also specifies that the terms "distribute in commerce" do not apply to the end-use of existing installed asbestos-containing materials or distribution solely for disposal purposes. A temporary exemption is granted to the chlor-alkali industry , allowing existing facilities to use and process asbestos fibers for diaphragms until January 1, 2030. Furthermore, the President may grant a limited, 3-year exemption for national security reasons if no feasible alternative exists, with a possible single extension. These exemptions require terms and conditions to minimize exposure and mandate public notification, unless national security is compromised.