Mesothelioma Navy Asbestos Regulations & Prevention — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What federal agency regulates asbestos in the United States?
- The EPA regulates environmental asbestos; OSHA regulates workplace asbestos exposure (Correct answer)
- Only the Department of Defense regulates asbestos
- No federal agency regulates asbestos
- The FDA is the sole regulator of asbestos
Correct answer: The EPA regulates environmental asbestos; OSHA regulates workplace asbestos exposure
The EPA regulates asbestos in the environment (buildings, schools, air) while OSHA sets workplace exposure limits and safety requirements for workers who may encounter asbestos.
Question 2: Is asbestos completely banned in the United States?
- No, the U.S. has not fully banned asbestos, though many products and uses are restricted (Correct answer)
- Yes, asbestos has been completely banned since 1980
- Asbestos was never used in the United States
- Only the state of California has banned asbestos
Correct answer: No, the U.S. has not fully banned asbestos, though many products and uses are restricted
Unlike many countries, the U.S. has not enacted a comprehensive asbestos ban. While the EPA banned most new uses in 1989, much of that ban was overturned by courts, leaving some uses still legal.
Question 3: What is the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for asbestos?
- 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air over an 8-hour time-weighted average (Correct answer)
- There is no limit on asbestos exposure
- 100 fibers per cubic centimeter of air
- 10 fibers per cubic centimeter of air
Correct answer: 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air over an 8-hour time-weighted average
OSHA's PEL for asbestos is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average, with an excursion limit of 1.0 fibers per cc over a 30-minute period.
Question 4: What are the requirements for asbestos abatement in buildings?
- Licensed professionals must follow specific containment, removal, and disposal procedures regulated by the EPA (Correct answer)
- Anyone can remove asbestos without special equipment
- Asbestos only needs to be removed from residential buildings
- Abatement is voluntary with no regulatory requirements
Correct answer: Licensed professionals must follow specific containment, removal, and disposal procedures regulated by the EPA
Asbestos abatement requires licensed and trained professionals using specific containment procedures, protective equipment, air monitoring, and EPA-regulated disposal methods.
Question 5: What personal protective equipment is required when working with asbestos?
- Respirators with HEPA filters, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Only a standard dust mask
- No special equipment is required
- Only steel-toed boots and a hard hat
Correct answer: Respirators with HEPA filters, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection
Workers must use HEPA-filtered respirators (minimum half-face for moderate exposure), disposable coveralls, gloves, eye protection, and decontamination procedures when working with asbestos.
Question 6: What should a veteran do if they suspect asbestos-related illness?
- Seek medical evaluation, inform their doctor about military asbestos exposure, and contact a VA benefits specialist (Correct answer)
- Wait and see if symptoms improve on their own
- Only seek treatment if symptoms become severe
- Contact their former commanding officer for medical advice
Correct answer: Seek medical evaluation, inform their doctor about military asbestos exposure, and contact a VA benefits specialist
Veterans suspecting asbestos-related illness should seek prompt medical evaluation, provide their doctor with military service and exposure history, contact a VA benefits specialist, and consult with an experienced attorney.
Mesothelioma Navy Asbestos Regulations & Prevention
What federal agency regulates asbestos in the United States?