Document oDZyDQodGNbRQv0J407LQ6bKE

FILE NAME: Asbestos in Hair Dryers (HD) DATE: 1979 DOC#: HD027 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Federal Register Notice Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 17, 1979 / Proposed Rules 60057 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: only brief or intermitten "bystander" COMMISSION 16 CFR Chapter II Consumer Products Containing Asbestos; Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking . AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission. a c tio n : Advance Notice of Proposed Background Asbestos is a general term for any of several naturally occurring fibrous minerals composed of silica, oxygen, hydrogen, and other elements such as sodium, calcium, iron, or magnesium. There are six basic varieties of asbestos minerals that are found in fiber form: chrysotile (the most common variety, and that found in about 95% of asbestos- exposures. , Autopsy studies of lung tissues of residents in urban areas in many parts of the world indicate that the general population is being exposed to asbestos from the general-environment and.that once inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain lodged in the lungs for life. Health Risks Related to Consumer Products Containing Asbestos Rulemaking. containing products in the Unites States), amosite, crocidolite, actinolite su m m a ry : The Consumer Product Safety ' asbestos, tremolite asbestos, and Commission is concerned that consumer anthophyllite asbestos. exposure to asbestos from consumer The high tensile strength, flexibility products may present an unreasonable and heat chemical resistance of risk of injury and-that some consumer asbestos makes it adaptable to a large products containing asbestos may number of uses. Although precise figures present a substantial product hazard. on the number of asbestos-containing CPSC will begin its formal investigation products are not available, the of the use of asbestos in consumer Commission estimates that hundreds of products by publishing this notice different types of consumer products soliciting general information on the use contain asbestos in some form. Many of asbestos in consumer products. In consumer products, for example, contain addition to soliciting information on the asbestos paper as a thermal or electrical use of asbestos in consumer products, insulating barrier. Asbestos is also this notice describes CPSCs proposed commonly used in household building regulatory approach to asbestos in products to provide strength and consumer products and solicits public stability. comment on the approach. The Commission will consider the comments Health Risks Related to Asbestos during the development of any proposed Exposure regulation or other remedial action to a CPSC is concerned that the presence protect consumers. of asbestos in consumer products, under d a t e : Comments and information certain conditions, may present a risk of should be submitted on or before cancer and respiratory disease. On the December 17,1979. Those comments basis of current information, it appears received after this date will be that consumer products containing considered only to the extent asbestos fibers can pose a health hazard practicable. - if the asbestos fibers are released into ADDRESS: Comments and information the air, and therefore are available for should be sent, preferably in five copies, inhalation. The hazard may be . to Office of the Secretary, Consumer undetectable in the ordinary use of Product Safety Commission, asbestos-containing products, since Washington, D.C. 20207, and should some asbestos fibers may be visible refer to "Asbestos." Received comments only by means of optical or electron and other relevant information may be microscopy. Asbestos released from consumer products poses several unique problems in the household. First, young children and infants are subject to exposure. This is of particular concern to the Commission. Second, unlike asbestos released into the general environment, . where fibers may be disbursed by air currents, asbestos fibers released from consumer products into the living space can remain in a confined space over long periods of time and may be subject to repeated cycles of settling and resuspension. The presence of asbestos fibers can thus pose an ongoing inhalation risk in the household. Third, unlike the workplace where engineering control systems snd protective clothing are available to minimize worker exposure to asbestos, household members have little or no protection from exposure to asbestos fibers released from consumer products. Previous Commission Action Concerning Asbestos in Consumer Products ` The Commission has issued rules declaring consumer patching compounds and artificial emberizing materials containing respirable asbestos as 'banned hazardous products under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). (16 CFR 1304 and 1305. 42 FR 63354, December 15,1977.) These actions were taken on the basis of Commission findings that the use of these products in the household would subject consumers examined in copies obtained from Office A large body of scientific evidence to increased exposure to asbestos fibers. of the Secretary, 111118th Street, N.W,, suggests that ell major types of asbestos The Commission determined that this . 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C 20207, are carcinogenic. Animal data and increased exposure, combined in many during business hours Monday through human epidemiologic studies support cases with exposure to asbestos from Friday.-' this conclusion. other sources, would result in an ~ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Extensive epidemiologic studies of increased risk of cancer. In view of the - Francine Shacter, Program Manager, health effects conducted in occupational seriousness of this illness and the Office of Program Management, settings provide the largest body of cumulative effects of asbestos exposure, Consumer Product Safety Commission. information on asbestos-related the Commission determined that . Washington, D.C 20207, telephone (301) diseases. Since the early 1960*s there continued use of these products in the - 492-6557. For information concerning has been increasing evidence as well of household presented an unreasonable financial com pensation for public asbestos-related diseases in populations risk of unjury and that no feasible . participation in this investigation, not occupationally exposed to asbestos. consumer product safety standard under contact Catherine Bolger, Office of the Epidemiologic studies have the CPSA could adequately protect the Secretary at the above address, - demonstrated increased incidence of public from the risk. f telephone (202) 254-6241. - -- asbestos-related diseases, including hmg The Commission has also been L ; ' v;ry ' ',l ' k 'r\ -1 - ~ ' cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer of concerned with the use of asbestos in file linings of the pleura and peritoneum) hair dryers in light of information , ' is,. . . ! ! i n : a. \ . >among nonoccupationally exposed initially indicating that a significant i ' " populations, including individuals with 60058 section 27(b)(1) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. of confidential business information. proportion of some 50 to 60 million hair 2076(b)(1)) to require manufacturers Through this coordination, EPA and dryers in consumers' hand9 or in the chain of distribution contained asbestos. (including importers) and private CPSC will endeaver to reduce reporting burdens on industry and improve the As a result of negotiations between the labelers of certain categories of consumer products to submit efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory efforts. The Commission Commission's staff and firms which hare approximately 90% of the information on the use of asbestos in solicits comments and information from consumer hair dryer market, the firms have agreed to cease production and specified consumer products which the Commission believes merit initial interested persons on the issues raised by the sharing of confidential business distribution of hair dryers containing asbestos and to offer consumers some attention. The Commission intends to select consumer products containing information, particularly concerning ways to reconcile the agencies' need for form of repair, replacement, or refund. The Commission's concern with hair asbestos for priority attention in this investigation, based on the following information with industry's legitimate interest in preserving the confidentiality dryers containing asbestos has been broadened to include hair dryers used criteria: (1) the number of units of the product estimated to be in use by of trade secrets and other confidential commerical or financial inform'ation. by consumers in commercial hair consumers, (2) the form and location of dressing establishments. the asbestos in the product: (3) the Regulatory Approach Tests of hair dryers containing frequency, duration, manner, and asbestos have been performed for CPSC location in the consumer's environment General Policy . by the National Institute of of product use, including such factors as The previous regulatory action the Occupational Safety and Health the expected useful life of the product Commission has taken concerning (NIOSH) of the Department of Health, and the presence of heat and/or _ asbestos in consumer products has been Education, and Welfare to aid in the moisture and the likelihood of abrasion based on several principles. First, the determination of emission of asbestos during use or forseeable misuse; (4) the Commission concluded that exposure to fiber from the hair dryers. The results of likely availability and feasibility of any respirable asbestos fibers from these tests are currently being analyzed. substitutes for asbestos in the product: consumer products presents a health (5) the relative ease of data collection risk because there has not been Information Gathering on Consumer and analysis by the Commission and the demonstrated to be a threshold or no Products Containing Asbestos reporting burden on industry; and (6) the effect level below which exposure to In order to determine the scope of the degree of potential overlap of CPSC asbestos fibers would be considered potential problem posed by consumer reporting requirements with the safe. Further, exposure to asbestos from products containing asbestos, CPSC information gathering efforts of other consumer products is generally in commissioned a study to determine regulatory agencies, particularly the addition to environmental exposure what other categories of consumer Environmental Protection Agency. from a number of other souices, and products contain asbestos. As a result of The information which the therefore must be viewed as part of a a report by a Commission contractor, Commission may require in the general cumulative burden of asbestos exposure. Review of Asbestos Use in Consumer or special orders includes for the Second, the seriousness of the injury Prducts, A. T. Kearney, Inc., products covered: specific product . associated with asbestos exposure--the Management Consultants (April, 1978] indentification information; the function potential increased risk of cancer--was (Kearney report) and through performed by the abestos in the product; given considerable weight by the examination of other published sources, a description of the asbestos: the Commission in the decision-making the Commission has developed location of the asbestos in the product; process to determine whether the information that indicates the presence available test or other data concerning consumer products presented an of asbestos in a number of consumer -asbestos fiber emission; information on unreasonable risk* As it is required to do products. Using the Kearney report and the promotion, marketing, and use by statute, the Commission carefully other available published sources, the patterns of the product; and information considered the effect of regulatory Commission's staff has grouped the on possible substitutes for the asbestos action on the utility, cost, and products according to the general form in the product. availability of the product and in which the asbestos exists in the The Commission plans to begin concluded that in die absence of product. This list of consumer product selecting products for priority attention compelling evidence of unacceptable or categories of products containing and may issue gnerai or special orders social or economic costs associated with asbestos is set forth in Appendix A to to require the submission of information removal of asbestos frqm the product, this notice. Also included in Appendix A on those products during the time it is regulatory action was warranted. is a list of consumer products that have receiving comments on this notice. The Commission recognizes that been-the subject of consumer inquiries The Commission intends to coordinate before it may take regulatory action, the or that are otherwise alleged to contain asbestos. The Commission requests the gathering of information under the general and special orders with the Commission must make the necessary statutory findings, based on substantial interested persons to provide information on whether the lists In information gathering activities of the evidence; and that it must observe the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). requisite procedures designed to ensure Appendix A are complete and accurate. Any information received in response to which is proposing, in an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking due process in taking regulatory action. As a general approach, however, the this notice will help the Commission determine the scope of the problem and appearing elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, a comprehensive Commission proposes initially to seek the elimination of all non-essential uses identify specific products on which it regulatory program under the Toxic of asbestos in consumer products from may need to focus its attention. Substances Control Act to address which asbestos fibers are released To obtain additional specific asbestos exposure. Coordination during reasonably foreseeable information on the use of asbestos in consumer products in the near future, between CPSC and EPA will include the conditions of use, including misuse. The Commission proposes to take regulatory the Commission intends to issue general sharing of information, including wheye action concerning non-essential uses ot and special orders under the authority of permitted by applicable law, the sharing Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 202 f Wednesday. October 17, 1979, 1979 / Proposed Rules 60059 asbestos on the basis of a determination of the fact of asbestos fiber emission, rather than a quantitative assessment In determining whether a use of . asbestos is essential, the Commission will generally consider a number of factors, including but not limited to: the function performed by the asbestos in the product, the benefit derived from the use of asbestos in the product; and the availability and cost of substitutes for the asbestos; and the safety of such substitutes. The Commission proposes to use this regulatory approach in addressing the problem of asbestos exposure from consumer products and solicits comments from interested persons on whether this is an appropriate approach under the regulatory authority of the Commission. By proposing this regulatory approach, the Commission does not intend to preclude possible action to address essential uses of asbestos in consumer products from which asbestos fibers are released. The initial focus, however, will be on non-essential uses of asbestos. Statutory Tools for the Regulation o f Asbestos in Consumer Products CPSC administers two statutes under which it is empowered to regulate asbestos in consumer products. Under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 2051. et seq.), CPSC has the general responsibility to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury, illness or death associated with consumer products. Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA, 15 U.S.C. 1261, et seq.), CPSC may regulate hazards presented by the presence or use of toxic and other hazardous substances in the household. Possible regulatory actions under the CPSA to address asbestos exposure _ include: (1) consumer product safety standards consisting of requirements as to performance, composition, contents, design, construction, finish or packaging of the product; (2) consumer product safety standards requiring that the product be marked with or accompanied by clear and adequate warnings or instructions, including requirements specifying the form of warnings or instructions; (3) rules declaring the product a banned hazardous product; (4) orders, following the opportunity for an evidentiary hearing, determining that a product presents a substantial product hazard; and requiring the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer to notify the public and specific purchasers of the product of the nature of the hazard and requiring the repair or replacement of the product or refund of the purchase price; or (5) rules requiring manufacturers of the product to give notification to consumers of performance and technical data, including warnings or instructions for safe use, at the point of sale. Such performance and technical data could include the results of testing which, under certain circumstances, the Commission may require manufacturers to perform. At any time, even when one of the above proceedings is pending, the - Commission may file a civil action in a United States district court against an "imminently hazardous"'consumer . product or the manufacturer, distributor or retailer of such product for seizure or injunctive relief. The FHSA prescribes requirements for cautionary labeling of household products which are or contain . "hazardous (including "toxic'') substances", as those terms are defined in the Act or as the Commission may ` define them by regulation. The Commission also may prescribe by regulation reasonable variations or additional label requirements for hazardous substances. If the Commission finds that notwithstanding cautionary labeling, the degree or nature of the hazard presented by the substance is such that the public health can be adequately protected only by excluding such substance from the channels of commerce, it may, by regulation, declare the substance a banned hazardous substance. Banned hazardous substances are subject to automatic repurchase under the Act. Where a serious threat to public health exists, the Commission, pending completion of a rulemaking proceeding to declare a substance a banned hazardous substance, may, by notice published in the Federal Register, declare a substance an "imminent hazard", and thus temporarily ban such substance from the channels of commerce. The CPSA empowers the Commission to address unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products or components of such products. The inclusion of components was intended to enable the Commission "to regulate just a part of a consumer product if only such regulation were warranted." ASG Industries, Inc. v. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 593, F. 2d 1323 (D.C. Cir. 1979). This recognition that products may pose a risk of injury because of the presence of a particular component suggests that the Commission could . address In a single regulatory action the use of asbestos as a component in a number of different consumer products that share similar or related uses of asbestos, provided the Commission makes the requisite statutory findings under the CPSA. (See section 9(c), 15 U.S.C. 2058(c).) Regulatory action to address asbestos in consumer products could include regulation of asbestos as a component in any consumer product where exposure to asbestos fibers occurs; regulation of a group or category of consumer products which contain asbestos in a form that results in exposure to asbestos fibers; or regulation of individual products that contain asbestos on a case-by-case basis if exposure to asbestos fibers occurs. The Commission has used the latter approach in the past. From the standpoint of effective protection of the public health and efficient expenditure of limited resources, however, the Commission believes that in certain circumstances a broader, more "generic" approach to regulation may be ` preferable. Where appropriate, the Commission will consider such an approach to the regulation of asbestos in consumer products. In situations where a particular type of product is found to present a hazard, the Commission will pursue appropriate regulatory action as to that product type. Issues Highlighted For Comment The Commission solicits comments and information from interested persons on all the issues raised in this notice as well as any other matter relevant to the investigation and possible regulation of consumer products containing asbestos. The Commission is particularly interested in receiving comments and information on the issues and questions set forth below. 1. Is the Commission's list of consumer products containing Bsbestos (or possibly containing asbestos) contained in Appendix A accurate and complete? Are there products or ' categories of products on the list that are (a) no longer manufactured or (b) currently manufactured but no longer contain asbestos? Are there products or categories of products currently manufactured that contain asbestos-but that are not on the list? 2. How can agencies (such as CPSC and EPA) proceed to obtain information necessary to make informed regulatory decisions concerning asbestos while considering industry's, and the general public's interest in avoiding unnecessary reporting burdens? How can the agencies' needs for information be mat while protecting industry's legitimate interest in preserving the confidentiality of trade secrets and other confidential ' commercial and financial information. 0OQ6 O Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 202 / Wednesday,' Q ctob erJV igT Q jJ^ op osed Rules 3. The Commission's proposed regulatory approach will initially seek the elimination of all non-essential uses of asbestos in consumer products from which asbestos fibers are released during reasonably foreseeable conditions or duration of use, including misuse. Is this a sound approach? Is it an appropriate one under the statutes the Commission administers? Under should receive priority attention in this investigation. 8. The Commission has listed a number of criteria which it intends to apply in selecting consumer products containing asbestos for priority attention in its investigation. Are these criteria appropriate? Are there additional criteria that should be applied? what circumstances should the Commission consider action to address essential uses of asbestos in consumer products from which fibers are released? 4. How should the Commission determine what constitutes an essential use of asbestos in consumer products? Are the Commission's proposed criteria appropriate? How much weight should be given to cost, availability, utility or safety of substitutes for asbestos in consumer products? How should the Bocietal benefit derived from a product, or,the use of asbestos in a product, be assessed? 5. The Commission's proposed position concerning the type of evidence necessary for regulatory action is that it can take action on the basis of a determination that asbestos fibers are being emitted from a product. Is this approach appropriate? In what situations should quantitative measures of asbestos fiber emission be attempted? If so. who should conduct the tests to determine the quantitative levels being emitted from particular products? Should the Commission attempt to define or develop criteria to determine whether asbestos fibers are "respirable"? ' ^ 6. Where appropriate the Commission' intends to consider regulation of - asbestos as a component of one or more groups or classes of consumer products (i.e. "generieally"). rather than on a product-by-product basis. Under what circumstances would this be an appropriate approach? What are the advantages or disadvantages of such an approach? ' 7. The Commission does not intend to employ quantitative estimates of cancer risks posed by exposure to asbestos fibers in making regulatory decisions concerning consumer products containing asbestos. Is this an Public Participation During the investigation and possible regulation of consumer products containing asbestos, the Commission hopes to receive the views of public in'erest, consumer, industry and other interested groups on all relevant issues. In order to facilitate this participation, the Commission, in addition to soliciting written comments and information through this notice, may conduct one or more public hearings or meetings. In order to ensure representation of viewpoints from groups and individuals who might otherwise not have the means to furnish comments in response to this notice, the Commission will make available financial compensation for reasonable expenses incurred in furnishing comments. Funding will also be available for participation in any hearings, meetings, or other future Commission proceedings connected to this investigation. Eligibility for financial compensation will be determined in accordance with the Commission's Interim Policies and Procedures concerning Financial Compensation of Participants in Informal Rulemaking Proceedings (IB CFR Part 1050). Individuals or groups who wish to apply for financial compensation should promptly contact the Office of the Secretary at the above address, and indicate their interest in receiving the necessary application forms and other information. (Consumer Product Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. 2051 et. seq., Federal Hazardous Substances Act. 15 U.S.C. 1261. et. seq.) Dated: October 12.1978. Sadye E. Dunn, Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission. . . Appendix A.--Consumer Products Containing A sbestos 1 appropriate approach to the regulation Asbestos Paper Products of the risks posed to the public from exposure to asbestos in consumer products? Acoustical ceiling tile Lamp sockets Burner mats for gas stoves 8. The Commission has limited information concerning qualitative or Source: Review of Asbestos Use in Consumer quantitative studies of asbestos fiber emission from particular consumer products. The Commission is interested in receiving any such information in - Products, A. T. Kearny Inc., Management Consultants (April. 1B78). and other published sources. Final jurisdictions! determinations lor these products have not been made. The Inclusion o f a product on this list does not mean that all order to help identify products which brands or m odels o f that product contain asbestos. Roofing felts (outer layers) Pipe and boiler covering Vinly sheet flooring backing Radiator top insulation . Appliance heating shielding (paper) Slow cookers , Hair dryers Paper sheets for heat insulation Millboard ' TV and other electronic switch plates Electric switch boxes Metal reinforced gaskets (for air-cooled engines) Electrical washers Linings for ovens, kilns, safes, safety boxes, incinerators Millboard sheet - ' Wall protection behind heat-generating products Floor protection under wood and coal stoves Soldering and welding blocks Iron rests Appliance heat shielding (millboard) Toasters Rotisserie broilers . - Fireproof wallboard Metal-clad fire doors and partitions Teat grommets Stove pipe rings Cloth and Woven Products Flexible air conductor for heating, cooling and ventilating equipment . Appliance wiring Barbecue fire starters Broilers - Curling irons Electric blankets Hair dryers Heating pads Ranges ' ' Slow cookers Toasters . . Irons Deep fat fryers . Electric fry pans . Awnings ' Candlesticks ' Catalytic Heater Mantles Cigarette Lighter wicks Cord Seals for high temperature gaskets Valve steam packings Insulation for glass handling tools Reinforcing for braided wall stem hose Theater curtains . Felt Reinforcements in plastics Caskets Reinforcement in asbestos tapes *c. Secondary insulation in high temperature wire and cable Asphalt impregnated roofing felts Piano and organ felts Heating pads (element insulation) Ironing board pads and covers Lamp and lantern mantles Pipe and boiler covering , -Pot holders and oven mitts Flame resistant garments Cloves ' Hats ................. - , Helmets ' ' Hoods : Mittens - Federal Register / Vol. 44. No. 202 /. Wednesday, October 17, 1979, 1979 / Proposed Rules 60061 Overgaiters _ Sleeves ' , Suits ' Umbrellas ' ' ` ' Aprons Ann protectors . Flame-resistant blankets Boots , - Caps ' ' Smokers' bibs Stoves--Coal and wood burning' Tape for pipe insulation ' Braid and rope for packing ' Motion picture screens Tent grommets Asbestos Cement Products ' Water, sewer and septic drain Field pipe Airduct pipe . Sheet products Roofing clapboard - Siding Shingles - - Interior walls . - Boiler and furnace baffles - Bulk sheeting 1 Welding shields Baking sheets Blackboards Laboratory table tops Linings for vaults, safes, humidifiers and filing cabinets Viscous Matrix Products'' Vinyl asbestos floor tiles Abrasive wheels Aerial distress flares Molded plastics and phenolic laminates Paint Textured paint Cement, drywall and plaster patching compounds Artificial gas fireplace emberizing material Phonograph records Consumer Products Possibly Containing Asbestos * ' Appliances Air conditioners Dishwashers ' Hand-held mixers Portable electric heaters Popcorn poppers Refrigerators Vacuum cleaners Waffle Makers Miscellaneous Products ` Carpet padding Fire places Instant papier mache Light fixtures on railroad passenger cars Welding masks File cabinets (Fit Doc 7B-32037 FUsd10-16-79; S45 am] , mujNO cooc ssss-01-M - Adhesives (glues and epoxies) Air duct cement for asbestos-cement air duct Buffing and polishing compounds Caulks and putties ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Floor tile cement and mastic Auto body filler - 40 CFR Part 763 Flashing cement (OTS 61005; FRL 1332-4A] Furnace cement Glazing compound for ceramics Pipe and boiler coverings - Commercial and Industrial Use of Asbestos Fibers; Advance Notice of Roof and driveway coatings Stains and varnishes Automotive metal deadener Automotive undercoating Proposed Rulemaking " a g en c y : Office of Toxic Substances, Environmental Protection. Refrigerant cements Automotive muffler repair compounds .. AGENCY: (EPA. or the Agency). Products Subject to Inadvertent Asbestos Contamination Driveway gravel Fertilizer and lawn care products Potting materials (vermiculite) Talcs for noncosmetic or food use ' applications , a c tio n : Advance Notice o f Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). S um m ary: EPA is concerned that many sources of human exposure to asbestos may present an unreasonable health risk. Exposure to asbestos fibers has Miscellaneous Products Acoustical and thermal insulation material. ' sprayed Ammunition shell wadding Automotive mufflers been shown to contribute to increased risk of lung damage (asbestosis) and cancer of several anatomic sites in humans. Asbestos is a generic name for several Barbecue firebed materials in gas barbecue grills ' Boat Hull Repair Kits ' - Flower pots . Friction Materials - Clutch plates Brake linings Potters' kilns (home hobby) Pottery clay Powder (asbestos) * naturally occurring mineral fibers. Since the beginning of the century, approximately 30 million tons of asbestos fibers have been used in the United States to produce thousands of commercial and industrial products. The inventory of asbestos products is growing since products introduced into commerce represent about 750,000 tons Bulk Tiber -' Reinforcement in molded plastics and rubber FSource: Consumer inquiries end other sources Automotive radiator sealant not verified by the Commission. of asbestos per year. Some fibers used in these products are inevitably released as a result of fiber processing, product manufacturing, distribution in commerce, product use, and-disposal. Much of this asbestos remains in the ' biosphere as a ubiquitous pollutant because of the fibers' mobility and resistance to chemical and physical decomposition. Humans may be exposed to these fibers from the aforementioned direct and indirect sources. Certain exposures to asbestos are controlled under various Federal and State authorities. However, because of limited mandates (i.e., focused on specific populations or exposure sources), technical difficulties (e.g., available fiber measurement techniques), and other analytical constraints, these authorities are not able to deal with the total asbestos problem. As a result, many population segments remain exposed to, and inadequately protected from both direct and diffuse sources of asbestos. The comprehensive manadate of the TSCA enables EPA to reduce health risk from sources which are difficult to control through media-specific or source-specific regulation authorized under other Federal authorities. Under TSCA, EPA is currently investigating the cumulative effects of exposure to ' asbestos throughout its life cycle in commercial and industrial products (i.e., from mining and milling through processing, product manufacturing, use and disposal). Our preliminary studies indicate substantial continuing exposure of millions of people to the ever growing inventory of asbestos sources. As a result of this study, the Agency expects to promulgate rules to prevent and reduce any unreasonable risks that are identified. EPA anticipates that any rules it develops to control unreasonable asbestos risk will evolve chiefly from a combination of the following regulatory approaches. Under the first approach, the Agency might promulgate rules that prohibit the processing, manufacture, and use of certain asbestos-containing products or product categories. Under the second approach, the Agency might limit the annual amount of asbestos imported and produced in the United States, or it might limit the amount of asbestos processed in the United States. Both approaches would aim at reducing the consumption of asbestos for nonessential purposes. Both reflect the Agency's belief that many asbestos products have economically available substitutes. All rules would be designed to minimize adverse impacts on industry by providing suffkbeai time to adopt n*bstiUite6-d eliminate asbestos . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Problem hum an and environm ental exposure to asbestos." Despite these regulations, however, large segments of the processing equipment Control of asbestos already installed or in s m ic e nil generally require -action different from the one* above. Many existing sources are difficult to identify and control. However, as an initial step, the Agency is investigating the development of a rule to require public school surveys to determine whether asbestos hazards are present due to deteriorating insulation. The Agency will also consider requiring appropriate corxcctivp ihbuutbb wiiefc hazards are found. An Advance Notice o f Proposed Rulemaking has been _ published in the Federal Register describing this action (44FR 5467a September 2D. 19791- Other existing sources Shat the Agency way central in the fatare indude public buildings where asbestos was used as an insulation or decorative material and merchant ships where asbestos is widely used as insulation. In support of ihe investigation of asbestos products and uses, EPA expects to issue a reporting rule trader section 8(a) of TSCA to gather economic and exposure information. The Agency also anticipates issuing a rule trader section 8(d) of TSCA to require the submittal of unpublished health and safety studies relating to asbestos. Finally. EPA will consider the need for supplementary regulation under -other EPA has conducted a preliminary evaluation o asbestos related health effects and exoosure situations. On the basis of this evaluation, EPA believes that many sources of exposure to asbestos may present an unreasonable human health risk because of serious adverse health effects and large numbers of people subject to exposure. Studies of exposed populations have shown that asbestosis, a progressive deterioration of lung function, and various types of cancer are associated with asbestos exposure, even at low concentrations or after short exposure periods.1- * Asbestos is a generic name for a variety of naturally occurring fibrous . mineral silicates (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, trernollte, and actinolite). For many years asbestos has provided reliable protection against damage from heat, fire, and rot and has served many other valuable functions. The high tensile strength, flexibility, and heat and chemical resistance of asbestos fibers make them adaptable to a targe num ber of uses. Although accurate figures on the number of asbestos-containing products are not available, some 2,000 to 3.000 discrete products are estimated to contain the material. . Asbestos use has been increasing steadily. Since the beginning of this century, approxim ately 30 million tons population continue to be exposed to asbestos. Consistent with their legislative mandates, existing * regulations are limited to control!ling asbestos in specific media (e g., am. w ater, food), source categories (eg., process emissions,-waste piles), or population segments {eg., workers). These regulations are ot designed to control the full range o f exposure situations. For example, there are over 100 million motor vehicles in the United States today. Since most vehicles use a set of asbestos-containing brake linings every 3 or 4 years, a considerable amount of asbestos-containing m aterial is released to the environment during use and maintenance. Yet, not Federal regulation addresses the problem o f _ asbestos build-op in the biosphere from this and many other sources. Even within their regulatory purviews, Federal and state authorities are constrained in establishing adequate asbestos exposure controls. Because of their limited focus, these uthoritjes only weigh partial risks (e goccupational exposure) against total societal benefits of asbestos-containing products and uses. The lim itations of available fiber measurement techniques also constrain toe range of feasible control options. Approach to Regulation of Asbestos Under TSCA Federal laws administered by EPA ana other Federal agencies. of asbestos have been used in the United States w ith be total in creasing The Agency believes that TSCA provides an effective means of EPA solicits comments on this Notice. annually by about 750,000 tons (average controlling the proliferation of asbestos Those comments will be considered during development tffany proposed regulations. d a t e : ATI comments must be received by the Record Cleft by Tlecember 17,1979. ADDRESS: Mrs. Joni T. Repasch, Record Clerk. Office of Toxic Substances [TS793). U.S: Environmental ft'otection Agency. 401 M Street. S.W., Washington. D.C. 20460. Comments should include the docket number OTS-6100S. Comments received on this Notice will be available for viewing and copying from 9 a.m. to 430 p.ror. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, to Room 447 East Tower, EPA annual use over the past ten years). ' Much of this asbestos is still in the biosphere because asbestos fibers are highly indestructible an d quito mobile, moving from land and w ater lo air through normal physical processes. Exposure sources include mines, mills, processing facilities, products, disposal sites and the ambient environment. W ith long latency periods betw een exposure and evidence Of disease, w e probably have not yet felt the total impact of asbestos-related disease incidence due to the growing presence Of asbestos in the biosphere. Approximately twenty Federal regulations under various law s regulate use in the United States and of reducing the health risks associated with the existing accum ulation erfasb esto s in the environment. Under toe com preshensive jurisdiction of TSCA. EPA has authority to weigh overall risks presented by the entire asbestos life cycle, from mining to final disposal. For example. EPA can control any chemical manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal activity, or any combination of these activities found to pose an unreasonable risk to health and the environm ent EPA is planning to use TSCA's unique authority in this _ rulemaking to assess w hether exposure to asbestos throughout its life cycle Headquarters. 401M Street, Washington. D.C. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Industry Assistance Office. Office of Toxic Substances (TS-799), Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington,T3.C. 20460, Phone:800-424-9065. Jin Washington. D.C.. call 554-1404). 1BogoviaW. V. at A ted."). The iiologiool Effect* o f Asbestos Proceedings of working conference held .at (he International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon. France. 2-6 October 1BT2. pages 155 182. ___ *Levin. F I te d V Aebeetos: Aft information Resource MEW P u b licatio n N o . <NIV) 7S-1B81. May lB7B.pagr 24. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Chemical Market Input/Output Analysts o f Selected Chemioal Sutatonoes W A Sources o f presents an unreasonable risk to human health. Where the presence of risk is determined, EPA will consider developing regulations under TSCA and other laws which the Agency administers. The development of U.S Environmental Protection Agency, fed era l RegistarCitobons Pertaining to the Regulaban o f Asbesto*. ln-Houae-Report April U7B. Environmental Contamination: Tadk B7 Asbestos. ' Washington. DC.. 1B76- Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 17, J979, 1979 / Proposed Rules 60063 regulations under TSCA and other authorities will be integrated to promote adequate health protection and minimize impacts on industry. The Agency anticipates that most asbestos regulatory action will be taken under section 6(a) of TSCA, although section 5(a) might also be used where appropriate. Among other things, section 6(a) enables the Agency to restrict chemical processing, limit quantities that can be used, require appropriate labels, and mandate recordkeeping. Section 5(a) enables the Agency to require that manufacturers submit premanufacturing notification for significant new uses of a chemical. Before promulgating a rule under section 6(a) of TSCA, the Administrator must determine that the substance in question presents an unreasonable risk to human health and the environment. The Agency can then develop rules to reduce or prevent the risk using the least burdensome requirements. To accomplish this end in the case of asbestos, TSCA requires that the following areas be examined and documented: (1) The seriousness of health effects associated with identified levels and durations of human exposure to asbestos; (2) The benefits of various uses of asbestos and the availability of practical substitutes for these usep; and (3) The reasonably ascertainable economic impacts of the rules on the national economy, small business, technological innovation, the environment, and public health. The following sections discuss the method the Agency plans to use in carrying out these studies. Risk Assessment EPA is examining the total risk to human health from exposures to asbestos throughout the material's commercial life cycle (i.e., from mining and milling, through fabrication into products, to final use and ultimate disposal). The Agency is preparing an assessment of occupational and general population risks from both new and existing_exposure sources. The investigation will be based principally on available data concerning asbestosrelated health effects and potential exposure situations. EPA believes that it already has much data to support rulemaking under TSCA. However, to insure that all relevant information is considered, the Agency expects to propose a reporting rule under section - 6(d) of TSCA. The rule will require submission to the Agency of any unpublished health and safety studies on asbestos. In examining asbestos health effects, EPA is relying heavily on the extensive epidemiological studies conducted primarily in occupational settings. The results of animal studies are being used to supplement epidemiolgic data. For example, data from animal studies are being used to assess the biological activity of fibers which differ in size, shape, or chemical composition. These studies, when combined with known and potential exposure situations, will show the seriousness of health effects associated with identified routes, levels, and durations of human exposure to asbestos. The linear nonthreshold model is being used to provide quantitative estimates of cancer risk in accordance with EPA Interim Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (41FR 21402, May 25,1976] and the Interagency Regulatory Liaison Group's Guidance (44 FR 39858-39879, July 8.1979) on the subject. ' EPA particularly requests comment with respect to the analysis it intends to perform on the health risks of asbestos. Ideally. EPA would examine health risks presented throughout the commercial life cycle of asbestos associated with particular end products then analyze the substitutes for each of the end use products to determine if the risks presented are unreasonable. Asbestos, however, is contained in so many products that it would be an impracticable, if not impossible, task to analyze the risks associated with each of the 2,000-3,000 uses, except for certain distinct products which may ~ present unique exposure situations. Furthermore, it is not clear that it is technically possible to trace the life cycle risks for a particular product, since at the early stages, such as mining and milling, asbestos is undifferentiated and may be used in any number of different end products. Accordingly, EPA intends to analyze as a whole all the health risks associated with asbestos. The Agency's risk assessment will document major risks that occur within stages of the asbestos life cycle. Individual situations will be described that illustrate these stages. For certain situations, such as in some of the well studied asbestos workplaces, more precise estimates will be possible than in other situations. This type of risk assessment would show that risks occur generally from exposure to asbestos, rather than from any particular product because of the characteristics of that product. EPA requests comment on the general validity of its risk assessment approach, and solicits suggestions for alternatives . to remedy the problems associated with a product-by-product approach. Some technical problems remain in making comparisons among the concentrations of asbestos that were measured by different sampling and analytical techniques. In particular, a comparison of work place levels measured with the light microscope to ambient urban levels measured with the more sensitive electron microscope would be helpful in estimating some components of asbestos risk. The Agency welcomes comments on the appropriate conversion factors to use when making comparisons of both types of data, and on the implications for estimating risk. Socioeconomic and Substitute Assessment ,' . If EPA's life cycle risk assessment concludes that substantial human health risk is associated with general exposure to asbestos, then the Agency will examine the situation for the presence of "unreasonable" risk on the basis of the availability of reasonable substitutes. Unreasonable risk may be analyzed on the basis of the present or future availability of reasonable substitutes on a product or category, specific basis, or may be analyzed by a more general, representative socioeconomic evaluation of proposed asbestos controls. The Agency's choice of economic analysis will depend on the choice of regulatory option which are explained below in the section titled "Regulatory Control Options." A ' combination of the two types of economic analyses is also being considered. The Agency will develop least burdensome controls to reduce these risks after consideration of probable socioeconomic impacts. The analysis of substitutes will address the following issues: (1) the basic need for the product in the marketplace; (2) the performance capabilities of substitutes; (3) the present and anticipated availability of substitutes: (4) the cost of substitutes; and (5) the health and environmental hazards associated with substitutes. The evaluation of hazards from substitutes generally will be limited to a qualitative analysis. The economic analysis will include an economic profile of the industry and an examination of the potential impacts of any proposed controls. Key factors to be examined include: (1) industry structure and concentration: (2) pricing: (3) production volume; (4) current employment; (5) energy consumption; (6) income distribution; (7) growth, profitability, and capital availability; and (8) market segmentation. , 60054 Federal Register / V o l 44, No. 202 / Wedaesday. October 17, 7 9 / Proposed Rules Regulatory Control Options The Agency is considering die following regulatory approaches to prevent and reduce unreasonable health risks at all stages o f the asbestos life cycle. _ First, the Agency sight promulgate prohibitions on the manufacture, processing, and use of specific -asbestos- con taiaing products or product categories. The products or categories to be controlled would be determined on the basis of a category or product specific analysis of socioeconomic factors. Possible controls might include banning the manufacture and U6e of asbestos-containing textiles, roofing paper, or brake linings. One disadvantage of this approatdi stems from asbestos fiber demand which reportedly exceeds current supplies. If this situation persists, fibers orginally destined for banned product might be transferred to increase production of unrestricted products. Such transfer could offset the . reduction inasbestosnse anticipated under the product use ban. The situation would only change after large number of asbestos-containing products and uses were banned. Another disadvantage of the specific product restriction approach is that it could generate voluminous exemption requests. Although well defined exemption criteria could minimize the number -of requests, the demand on EPA resources oonld be significant. Despite these drawbacks, this option should still enable EPA to reduce and prevent many exposures associated with nonessential asbestos prodarts. Under the eoond approach, EPA could promulgate regulations setting limits on the amount of asbestos mined in the United States and imported annually. Alternatively, the regulation could restrict the amount of asbestos processed annually an the United States. The net risk reduction and prevention from father alternative should be about the same, fn selecting between them. EPA would consider such factors as economic impacts and resources necessary for enforcement. Either alternative within this approach would be supported by "general or representative socioeconomic analysis of the proposed asbestos controls. In essence, the eecond approach would establish a ceiling on the amount of asbestos used in the United States. This ceiling could be reduced gradually until KTeaches a level which the Agency's socioeconomic analysis indicates is necessary for essential asbtfttos-containing products and ns. This approach would allow industry to determine which products and uses to eliminate. EPA would still be assured of reduction in asbestos use and environmental build-up. The disadvantage of this approach is that there is no guarantee of eliminating products which present a particularly high risk. For example, if a product with easily released fibers commands a relatively high price, it might remain in the marketplace much longer than if it was regulated specifically. - Under the third approach, the Agency might select a combination of the preceding approaches to take maximum advantage of their desirable features. The key differences between the two approaches are fl) whether EPA or industry determines which products are eliminated, and (2) whether specific products or overall quantity of asbestos fibers are regulated. EPA may prefer to allow industry to determine which products to eliminate and how to allocate available asbestos fibers. In order to provide this opportunity, the Agency may select production/rmport limits as the primary control option. Depending upon the outcome of socioeconomic and substitute analyses, EPA might reduce the initially established ceiling limit annually by 5 to 20 percent until an appropriate level is reached where all remaining fiber use is essential. In -conjunction with the productionfimport rule, EPA might also ban a few selerted products to ensure speedy elimination -of items or uses presenting particularly significant risk. Possible candidates for ban indlude millboard, commercial paper, and certain friction products. All regulations developed by the Agency ander any r f these approaches will be designed to minimize adverse -imparts on the asbestos industry and asbestos users. To this end. the development of implementation schedules will allow for reasonable transitions to substitutes and orderly - phase-out of asbestos processing equipment Phased Approach o fAnalysis The widespread use of asbestos makes evaluating substitutes, assessing economic impact, and examining other factors necessary to support regulation a difficult and time consuming process. Therefore, the Agency is conducting regulatoiy assessments in a systematic manner on all asbestasproduct ' categories. The following product categories account for the major portion of asbestos used in 1978: Paper products including certain roofing and flooring produrts, other flooring products, asbestos-cement pipe, asbestos-cement sheet, friction products, plastics, peeking and gaskets, coatings and compounds, insulation and textUes.`Of ihepe, EPA has selected asbestos paper products and automobile and light truck brake linings as initial candidates for analysis and possible rulemaking. According to various estimates of asbestos use in 1978. paper products account for approximately 30-40 percent of the total asbestos consumption. Much of asbestoB paper is used to make asbestos roofing products. Because of its versatility, however, asbestos paper has a wide variety of applications. These include asbestos paper, tubes, and tapes for electrical and thermal insulation: diaphragms for brime electrolysis cells: corrugated paper sheets and blocks idr use in appliances and other ' applications; underlayments for sheet vinyl flooring: gaskets: beverage filters: molten glass handling equipment; and general heat/fire-proofing components. Many of these uses have reasonable substitutes. For example, roofing felt can also be made -with -organic and fiberglass fibers at less -cost than asbestos fibers. The performance of these materials is very similar to asbestos robfing Felt. Friction products currently account for about 14 percent of total asbestos consumption. Brake linings constitute the largest single product within the friction product subcategory. Human exposure to asbestos missions from brake linings occurs not only during processing fi.e., production of the brake linings), but also during use and servicing of brakes. Several automobile manufacturers are already using nonqsbestos disc brake pads with plans to ultimately convert totally to nonasbestos pads. Nonaebestos shoes for drum brakes have been more difficult to develop but some manufacturers believe that they are near to developing a commercially acceptable substitute. Existing Sources of Asbestos Exposure Although risk associated with newly processed asbestos maybe substantial, the continuing aggregate risk associated with existing and past asbestos use may be equally and possibly more significant. Unfortunately, reducing risks from the latter group is more complicated than reducing ne.w risks because of difficulties in identifying all the related exposure sources, the lack of - feasible control options for many sources, and the large costs associated with removing and replacing existing aiilo n .lt. A . Aibettos-MinenICommoity Proflei. TJ.S. Department df the Interior. Waahington. DC.. July 1979. * Federal Register / Vol. 44, No. 202 / Wednesday, October 17, 1979, 1979 / Proposed Rules 60065 products. Some existing asbestos products, however, are amenable to evaluation and control. For example, asbestos has been widely used for insulation in schools and other buildings. In some of these buildings the insulation has deteriorated and fibers are entering the air in the buildings. EPA is currently investigating whether to require surveys of public schools for asbestos and appropriate control actions wherever exposure problems are identified. This action was announced in another ANPRM published in the Federal Register on September 20,1979 (44 FR 54676). Other existing uses of asbestos will be examined where practicable during subsequent stages of the asbestos regulatory investigation. Possible candidates include all public buildings and merchant ships. ' Information Gathering under Section 8(a) oJTSCA EPA is developing a section 6(a) rule to help gather information needed lor this investigation. The information will be used to determine appropriate regulatory action under TSCA as well as under other laws administered by EPA and other Federal activities. EPA invites comments on the need for 6uch a rule;. who should be subject to, or exempt from reporting; what information should 'b e gathered under this authority: and how the section 8{a) rule should be designed. Under section 6(a), EPA could require maintenance of records and reporting by persons who mine or mill asbestos, process asbestos (including making asbestos-containing products), and import asbestos or asbestos-containing products. Insofar as the information is known to, or reasonably ascertainable by those persons, the Agency could require reporting of information about any aspect o fasbestos manufacture and processing. Possible reporting topics include the composition of asbestoscontaining products, the uses of each product all existing data concerning environmental and health effects, the number of individuals exposed in workplaces, and the duration and extent of these^'exposures, and the manner and method of asbestos waste or product disposal. ~ The section 6(a) rule could be designed in several ways depending, in part, on the control strategy selected by the Agency. A single rule might require one-time reporting of information, while a series of rules might require phased reporting by industry segments. Either type of rule could establish different reporting requirements for the various groups or persons (i.e* millers. processors, importers of asbestos) subject to the rule. A rule might require immediate submission of some information while retaining the authority to request other specified information by letter at a later date. The possible scope of a section 8(a) rule is discussed in more detail in the issue section below. Citizens Petition Under section 21 of TSCA, a citizen may petition EPA to initiate a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule under various provisions of the Act. On June 21,1979, the Agency received such a petition requesting that a proceeding be initiated to restrict future use of asbestos-cement pipe in drinking water supply systems. This request is compatible with the Agency's plans, as announced in this Notice, to initiate a comprehensive investigation of commercial and industrial asbestos uses including asbestos-cement pipe. The Administrator's response to the petition notes that the evaluation of health effects information on risks resulting from the ingestion of asbestos is not yet complete. It also states that the Agency has just begun gathering exposure and socioeconomic -- information on asbestos-cement products. Thus, it is not EPA's intent to include asbestos-cement pipe as a candidate for initial rulemaking. Nonetheless, because the Agency has initiated investigations to support a decision on whether to regulate asbestos-cement pipe under TSCA, the Administrator granted the petition. Issues Several issues must be resolved during this asbestos rulemaking process. EPA invites comments on the following issues and any others which might be relevant. 1. Health Effects of Substitutes. To adequately assess substitutes for asbestos, EPA requests health, environmental and socioeconomic information on substitute materials. This information has two purposes: (1) it will allow an informed analysis of the health effects of the substitutes for comparison with the known hazards of asbestos, and (2) it will enable a balanced consideration of the environmental, economic, and social impact of any action taken by the Agency. We are particularly concerned with materials, such as fibrous glass, that might have physical dim ensions and characteristics very similar to those of asbestos fibers, but differ only in chemical composition. EPA is aware of relevant research, especially the studies by Stanton * r *Pott *10and others."- 11 " " "These studies suggest that the length and width of fibers or the ratio of the width to the length may be more important than their chemical composition in determining carcinogenicity. More specifically, current research findings suggest that fibers with diameters less than or equal to 1.5 microns and lengths between 5 and 60 microns are likely to have greater fibrotic and carcinogenic potency than fibers falling outside these ranges. Consequently, we plan to adopt a policy that nonasbestos fibers with physical dimensions within these ranges are not appropriate substitutes unless . appropriate testing indicates otherwise. Fibrous or other substitutes which do not present major health risks would be determined to be suitable. EPA solicits comments on this approach. 2. Scope of a Section 8(a) Rule. To develop regulations for asbestos sources, the Agency must gather and 'Stanton. M. F. Layird M "The carcinogenicity of fibrous minerals." Proceedings of (he workshop on asbestos: definitions and measurements methods held at NBS, Gaithersburg Maryland. )uly IS-20. 1977. National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 506. November 1978. ' Stanton. M. F. "Some etiological considerations of fiber carcinogenesis." In Bogoi ski P. Gibson J C., Timbrell V. Wagner J. C.. eds Biolgica! e rfects o f asbestos. Lyon, international Agency for Research on Cancer (1ARC Scientific Publication numbeT 8). 1973: pages 269-294. .` Stanton. M. F.. LayardM. Tegens A Miller E May M. Kent E. "Carcinogencity of fibrous glass: pleural response in the rat in relation to fiber dimension." ]. Nat. Can Inst. 1977.5if3). Pott F. Huth F. Fnedncks K. H. "Results of animal carcinogenesis studies often applications regarding humao exposure." In K10SH symposium on occupational exposure to fibrous glass. University of Maryland. 1974 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 1977 (DHEW publication number (NIOSH) (76--151). . "P ott, F. Huth F. Fnedricks K. H. "Tumoreo dar matte mnach i.p. injektion von gemahl-enem chrysotil und berao (a) pyren.". * Wagner |. C.. Berry G. "Mesothelioma in rats following umoculetioc with asbestos and other materials." B. |. Can 1S69: 21 pages 567-61. " Wagner J. C,, Berry C.. Timbrell V. "Mesotheliomas in rats often innoculated with asbestos and other materials." B.J. Can 1973: 28. pages 173-65. '* Wagner J. C . Berry C. Timbrell V. "Mesothelioma in rats following the intrapleural innoculation of asbestos " In Shapiro H A . ed Pneumoconosts Proceedings of the international conference. Cape Town: Oxford University Press. 1970. pages 216-19. MWagner J. C., Berry G. Skidmore |. W. "Studies of the carcinogenic effects of fiber glass of dif ferent diameters following intrapleural innocu lation In experimental amsala." In: NlQSft sym posium on occupational exposure to fibrous glass. University of Maryland. 1974. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 1977. (DHEW publication n um ber (NIOSH) 76-151). Smith. W. ., Hubert D. D. "The intrapleural^ route as a means for estimating carcinogenicity.'* hu Karbe E., Park J. F., eds. Experimental lung cancer. Carcinogenesis ond Bioassays. New York: Springer-Veriog, 1974: pages 92-101. 60066 Federal Register / Vol. t. No. 202 / W ednesday, October 17, 1979 / Proposed Rules analyze a variety of information guidelines regulating wastewater Public Record concerning asbestos. Various EPA discharges of asbestos and a water EPA has established a public record program offices have already ' quality criterion under the Federal for this rulemaking (docket npmber OTS accumulated a considerable amount of Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. 61005) which, along with a complete data through previous studies. These 1251, et. seq., as amended in 1972 and index, is available for inspection in the data will be used as much as possible. 1977. EPA is also considering additional OTS Reading Room from 9:00 a.m. to However, the Agency anticipates that it regulation of asbestos in drinking water 4:30 p.m. on working days (Room 477, will need additional data for regulatory under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 East Tower, 401 M Street, S.W., . ' decision-making. The additional data U.S.C. 300f et seq. The Agency may also Washington, D.C., 20460). This record includes recent production, market, develop regulations for asbestos waste includes basic information considered aubstitute, exposure and health effects management under Subtitle C of the by the Agency in developing this information. The Agency hopes to Resource Conservation and Recovery ANPRM. The Agency will supplement acquire some of this information through Act, 42 U.S.C. 6921 to 6931. the record with additional information submittals by industry and other Under section 9 of TSCA, 15 U.S.C. as it is received. Materials for knowledgeable people in response to 2608, the Administrator will consider incorporation in the public record this ANPRM. EPA has also specifically whether risks from asbestos exposure include: contracted for studies to review the could be reduced to a sufficient extent 1. This Notice. state-of-the-art knowledge and to by actions taken by other agencies 2. All comments on this Advance develop new environmental and under other Federal laws. The Notice and the proposed rule. economic data. Administrator will also consider 3. All relevant support documents and Insofar as these nonregulatory whether rules promulgated under other studies (including economic analyses ' avenues (e.g., this ANPRM, contractor EPA authorities could address the performed for the purpose of defining studies, and other informal information asbestos problems more effectively. To small business as prescribed by section requests] do not provide, or are not likely to provide sufficient information, the Agency will promulgate a section 8(a) rule. The issue at hand regards the appropriate scope of the section 8(a) maximize the effectiveness of this proposed rule, EPA is coordinating with several agencies both directly and through the Interagency Regulatory Liaison Group (IRLG). These agencies 8(a)(3)). . . 4. Records of all communications between EPA personnel and persons outside the Agency pertaining to the development of this rule. (This does not rule. The Agency would like to minimize reporting burdens on industry. To this end, the promulgation of such a rule and its potential content will be influenced by responses to this ANPRM and include the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Department of Agriculture, Mine Safety and Health Administration, and Occupational include any inter- or intra-agency memoranda unless specifically noted in the index of the rulemaking record). v 5. Minutes, summaries, or transcripts of any public meetings held to develop informal Agency requests and by the Safety and Health Administration. this rule. need for confidential business EPA will identify the completed information or other data not likely to Public Participation rulemaking record on or before the date be provided on a voluntary basis. The Agency plans to conduct this of promulgation of the regulation, as Relationship With Other Federal Laws investigation and rulemaking in prescribed by section 19(a)(3) of TSCA, and will accept additional material, for As previously noted, a number of compliance with the public participation section of the FR Notice entitled "EPA: inclusion in the record at any time , between this Notice and such rules for controlling exposure to asbestos have been promulgated under Improving Regulation; Final Report Implementing E .0 .12044" (44 FR 30988. designation. The final rule will also several Federal laws. _ May 29.1979). Before and after permit persons to point out any errors or The Occupational Safety and Health publication of any notice of proposed or omissions in the record. Administration (OSHA) and the mining final rulemaking in the Federal Register, Questions and Information Needs i Safety and Health Administration EPA will identify and meet with public To assist the Agency in gathering (thMeSDHeAp)arretmguelnatteofwTorraknpslpaocertaetxipoons(uDreOsT, ) interest groups, industry, regional, State, Information for regulatory decision regulates the commercial transport of and local governments and other making. EPA invites comments on, and asbestos, the Food and Drug interested groups to obtain their views on regulatory needs, the Agency's responses to. the questions and Administration (FDA) regulates the use approach, and technical issues. information requests that are listed here of asbestos by the food and drug Information exchange will be facilitated or are discussed elsewhere in this industries, and the Consumer Product through various public participation Notice.* Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates consumer products containing asbestos. mechanisms, including public meetings and public hearings at appropriate 1. The Agency solicits suggestions relating to the definition of several key EPA has established National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants locations around the country. A financial compensation program for terms identified below as well as other terms members of the public consider (NESHAP) for several asbestos sources public participation will be available to important to regulatory decision-making. under the Clean Air Act **, 42 U.S.C. applicants meeting eligibility criteria. 7401 et seq.. and is considering Tbe funds may be used for the cost CSPC in *n Advance Notice of Proposed additional asbestos air emission incurred in commenting on proposed Rulemaking appearing elaewhere in this naue o f the tandards. EPA is developing effluent rules after publication. A Notice of Federal Ragiater. announces a program to Availability of Grant Funds will be Investigate the uae of etbestos in consumer ticMe *rneqefuteirsetmanednatsrdwshIicnhcluthdeedUMnitfelfdtlSfltwatoerskSpufpiCreme published in the Federal Register products A s pert of this investigation. CPSC will solicit information through a vanaly of voluntary Court in Adorno v. Train, 98 St. Ct. 566 (1978). announcing the financial compensation and regulatory meant To reduce potential reporting found to be invalid The Clean Air Act was amend . program, eligibility criteria, level of e d by Congress in 19?7 and 1978 to provide EPA with the authority to prescribe and enforce work practice standards. These asbestos standards art funding, and the procedures for applying for reimbursement burdens on industry. CPSC will lake into account response to EPA's questions when tailoring the Commission's requests for information on the use of asbestos in consumer products. being promulgated again by EPA. Federal Register / V ol 44, No. 202 f Wednesday, October j^ lg T O M ^ ^ /^ P r o p o s e ^ ^ u le s ^ ^ Q g ? ' To the extent possible the Agency would like our definitions to conform to generally accepted usage. The terms to be defined include: (1) asbestos, (2) encapsulated fibers. (3] locked-fibers, (4) easily released fibers, and (5) friable materials. 2. The Agency is requesting all unpublished data or estimates relating . to human exposure and to human health risks from exposure to asbestos during mining, manufacturing, processing, use. and disposal for all asbestos products including the following product categories: (a) Asbestos paper, including roofing and floor underlayments: (b) Friction products: (c) Asbestos cement sheet; (d) Asbestos cement pipe; (e) Textiles; (f) Flooring: (g) Gaskets and packings; (h) Paints, coatings and sealants; (i) AsbeStos-reinforced plastics. The information submittals should include data on exposure of both workers and people near mining, manufacturing and processing facilities. Where data might be extensive, covering several years, many work stations or many sampling points, ' summaries which include appropriate statistical analysis would be sufficient. Data of interest include present and future estimates of: (a) The number of people exposed; (b) The routes, duration and frequency of exposure; (c) The intensity of exposure (fiber concentration preferred): ' (d) Fiber size distributions; (e) Fiber types; (f) Relative and attributable risk estimates for all cancers of specific organs and nonneoplastic respiratory diseases: (g) Variations in risk by age, sex, smoking status, duration and intensity of exposure, fiber types, and time from onset of exposure; and (h) Technical controls currently used to monitor and control exposures to asbestos at the plant site. 3. Based on preliminary information, list of asbestos-containing commercial and industrial product categories is presented in the Appendix to this Notice. The extent of human exposure to asbestos fibers from these products depends on many factors including the releasability of the fibers, the duration of the exposures, and the size of the population exposed throughout various parts of the life cycle of asbestos in the product. Products which release asbestos fibers during normal use, installation, maintenance, removal, or plausible mishandling are of particular concern during the use segment of the life cycle. Categories containing products which EPA believes may fall into this classification are noted with an asterisk in the Appendix. Identification of these products was based not upon testing but upon generally available information. The Agency is interested in determining the necessity of using asbestos in these products. The Agency requests the following information on these products and other asbestos- containing products. (a) Do these products contain asbestos? ' , (b) What is the purpose of asbestos in the product; what is the asbestos content by percent of total composition and weight; and what is the asbestos fiber type, size and shape? (c) What are the figures for annual production and sales of the product, and the annual amounts of asbestos used in each product? (d) What is the value of the product and the cost of the asbestos used in that product? (e) What exposures are expected during the manufacture of the asbestos- containing product; and what are the expected exposures associated with each use? (Rate of fiber release,' frequency, duration, population exposed, and conditions of use.) (f) What point source and non-point source discharges of asbestos to water are associated with the processing of asbestos fibers, manufacture and use of asbestos-containing products (eg., quantity, concentration)? (g) What amounts and types of asbestos-containing wastes are generated in connecton with manufacture of the product; and what methods and sites of storage, treatment and disposal are currently used for 1 those wastes? (h) What are the product life, and expected removal and disposal techniques for each use? What type of disposal sites are used? 4. The Agency is requesting the following information regarding the industry structure. a use(a)ofWashbaetsatroes tahnedcausrbreensttotsre-cnodnstainintihneg products? (b) Is the market stable? (c) What size and type of industry is most likely to be affected by regulation of asbestos under TSCA? (d) What effects on industry structure would be anticipated from regulation under TSCA? (e) What effects on employment can be anticipated from asbestos regulation under TSCA? 5. The Agency i| requesting the following information regarding substitutes for asbestos and asbestos- fxmtaining products. Manufacturers of substitutes are particularly encouraged to submit information. (a) What substitute substances are presently available or currently under development for asbestos in paper products (including roofing felts and floor underlayments), friction products, flooring, plastics, cement sealants and other commercial and industrial products? (b) What substitute products are presently available or currently under development for asbestos-containing products in the categories described above? (c) What are the performance characteristics of these substitute substances and products as compared to asbestos-containing products? (d) What unpublished data are .. available regarding human exposure to, and health effects of substitutes for asbestos-containing products? (e) What is the price differential between asbestos or asbestos- containing products and their substitutes? (f) How long will it take to convert to production and use of alternatives? Please comment on a product-specific or product category-specific basis. (g) To what extent can present makers of asbestos-containing products change to substitute materials? Can this conversion be accomplished using existing asbestos production facilities? What will the cost of the changeover be in terms of capital and operating costs? (h) If existing facilities cannot be used once substitutes replace asbestos, will new facilities be built by existing asbestos processing companies, by other companies, or by some combination of these? (i) What effects might regulation of asbestos have on industrial innovation and introduction of new products? 6. What categories or individual products and uses containing asbestos do not present a health hazard to users? Why? 7. What asbestos-containing individual products or categories might be considered essential because of significant benefits and/or lack of ' reasonable substitutes? What are the specific benefits and costs and how should they be weighed? 8. Is the state-of-the-art for asbestos identification and quantification (phase contrast or electron microscopy) analytically adequate and economically feasible to establish numerical standards for fiber release end exposure resulting from the production of asbestos-containing products, their use and disposal? Can airborne fiber levels 60068 Register / Vol. No. 202 / Wednesday. OCobe. 17,1970 / * .* K .j be measured at 10* fibers/m*. m * i o 4fibers/m*. or 10*fibers/m . Bnd can waterborne fiber levels be measured at 10* fibers/liter, 10* fibers/liter. 10 fibers/liter, 10* fibers/liter or 10 fibers/ liter? Should the level be expressed as total fibers or as fibers greater than a specified length or aspect ratio? Are other parameters more appropriate [e.g.. total mass release, etc.)? 9 What unpublished data are available regarding ambient levels or asbestos in air and water and asbestos exposure from various noncommercial asbestos sources such as drinking water 11. Helmets ` 12. Hoods * . 13. Mittens * 14. Overgaiters * 15. Sleeves * 18. Suits * 17. Umbrellas * D. Recreational Activity 1. Aerial distress flares * ^ 2. Ammunition shell wadding 3. Catalytic heater mantles * 4. Tent gromets * , .. 5. TV sets and projector equipment E. Home Building Repairs 1. Latex paints * 2. Texture paints * 3. Caulking com pounds and 4. Fumance cement 5. G lazing compound 8. Radiator sealant 7. V arnish* - p n Doc. 7S-SJOJSr W to-ie-re. ILUNO COOE SSS0-01-M putty * _ ' **") supplies and naturally occurring F. Commercial Applications _ asbestifonn rock? 10. EPA and CPSC intend to share _ information received in support of their respective asbestos regulatory investigations. However, in view of potential statutory conflict regarding treatm ent of confidential business ^ information, how should the agencies treat data for which a company claims confidentiality? Authority. Secs. 5 and 6 of the Toxic Subst^ceTcontrol Act (TSCA) (90 Slat. 2003: 15 U.S.C. 2601). . Dated: October 10,1979. Douglas M. Costie, Administrator. a p p e n d ix A. Automotive Repair 1. Mufflers * 2. Brake linings * . 3. Clutch facings * , . 4. Custom auto body Tiller 5. Metal deadener * B. Household Materials 1. Appliance wiring * *. Counter surfaces * 3. Electrical cord * 4. Filler for shoe soles * 5. Floor tile * 6. Hair dryart ` 7. Heat protective mats # 8. lroningboard pads and covers 8. Lamp mantles * 10. Lamp sockers * 11.Potters'kilns * 12. Slow cookers * , * 13. Toasters * C. Safety Equipment 1."Aprons * 2. Arm protectors * 3. Blankets * 4. Boots * 5. Caps * 8. Clothing * 7. Curtains * 6. Draperies * 9. Gloves * 10. Hats * 1. Aluminized cloth * 2. Bags * 3. Bearings * 4. Belting * . 5. Blocks * . 6. Boards * 7. Braid* . 8. Buffing and polishing compounds 9. Cloth * 10. Cord * 11. Diaphragms * 12. Drier felt * 13. Drilling fluids * 14. Fabrics * 15. Felt * , 16. Filtering materials 17. Metallic cloth * 18. Millboard * 19. Paper * . 20. Pipe and boiler covers 21. Pottery clay * . 22. Plywood patch * 23. Sheet flooring * 24. Table tops * ' 25. Tape * 28. Textiles'* 27. Welding electrodes * G. Asbestos Cement Products 1. A/C air duct * ' 2. A/C pipe * , 3. A/C sheet * . 4. Baking sheets * 5. Cement boards * 6. Clapboard * 7. Roofing * 8. Shingles * 9. Siding * 10. Tile f 1. Gun grips , .. , 2. Filler and reinforcement in plastic 3. Pond liners 4. Phenolic laminates 5. Resins 8. Rheostat backing I. Roofing Materials 1. Aluminum roof coating 2. Roof patch 3. Roofing felts * 4. Roof preservative |. Sealants and Mastics for Consumer and . - . Indicates that products within the category potentially contain easily releasable fibers. Note.--Not all of the products in each Identified category are believed to contain asbestos. Commercial Use 1. A/C pipe Joint Sealant 2. A dhesives CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Commercial and Industrial Use of Asbestos Fibers and Consumer Products Containing Asbestos; Statement of Policy on Coordination of Regulatory Activities AGENCIES: Consumer Product Safety Commission and Environmental Protection Agency. .ACTION: Joint Statement on Coordination of Regulatory Activities_____________ _ and other hazardous substances in the household. The EPA Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking describes the Agency's broad effort to systematically gather information on asbestos exposure - sources and to evaluate health risk from these sources based on the "life cycle concept. In the life cycle analysis, the cumulative risk from exposure to asbestos is examined from primary processing through end use and - disposal. The CPSC Advance Notice describes a narrower approach to the investigation of possible health risks that may be associated with the use of For the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Susan B. King. .- " Chairman. For the Environmental Protection Douglas M. Cottle,_ Administrator. |FR Doe. 79-32036 Filed 16-16-7 845 em l MLUNO COOS 560-01-44 This issue of the Federal Register contains two Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) asbestos in a number of consumer products. ' *- - The Agencies recognize that in order regarding exposure to asbestos. The to expeditiously and effectively provide Notices are being issued by the public health protection from certain Consumer Product Safety Commission asbestos-containing products, there may (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both agencies have taken previous regulatory action to control human exposure to asbestos. Even with these actions, both continue to be concerned that human exposure to asbestos from many sources may present an unreasonable health risk. The purpose of this joint statement is to explain the interrelationship of the proposed regulatory efforts by the two agencies and to assure the public that these investigations and possible resulting regulations will be coordinated, compatible and nonduplicative. EPA has authority to regulate be a need for remedial actions individually tailored to specific products or uses as well as broader controls. For example, the Agencies anticipate situations where CPSC's authority may enable it to reduce consumer exposure to asbestos-containing products pending more general proceedings initiated under EPA's broader program. Through close cooperation in our regulatory endeavors, EPA and CPSC hope to achieve the following three objectives. The first is to significantly reduce unreasonable human health risk from exposure to asbestos through complementary actions. The second is to asbestos under a number of laws it reduce potential reporting burdens on administers. In the ANPRM appearing in industry by coordinating information this issue. EPA describes a regulatory 'gathering under our respective statutory investigation using the authority authorites. We plan to share all provided by the Toxic Substances available data, while maintaining the Control Act (TSCA, 15 U.S.C 2601). confidentiality of business information Under TSCA, EPA may regulate any chemical substance whose manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use and/or disposal presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or the environment. CPSC administers two statutes under which it is empowered to regulate asbestos in consumer products. Under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA. 15 U.S.C. 2051). CPSC has the general responsibility to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury, illness, or death associated with consumer products, and may take action against specific products presenting a in accordance with applicable law. Third, to avoid inconsistent or needlessly burdensome regulations, each Agency's regulatory actions (e.g., rules, bans, recalls) that may result from these investigations will be developed in close consultation with the other agency. The initiatives described here are illustrative of the efforts of CPSC and EPA to further the goals of the Interagency Regulatory Liaison Croup (IRLG). The IRLG was established in 1977 to promote better coordination among the major health and safety substantial product hazard. Under the regulatory agenices. - . Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 Dated: October 10.1979. . U.S.C. 1261). CPSC may regulate hazards involved in the presence or use of toxic Agency: