The Environmental Protection Agency announced March 18 a final rule that will prohibit ongoing uses (including imports) of chrysotile asbestos, which is found in products such as asbestos diaphragms (used to treat drinking water), sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets.
An EPA press release states that although there are several known types of asbestos, the only form known to still be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the U.S. is chrysotile. Raw chrysotile asbestos was imported as recently as 2022 for use by the chlor-alkali industry. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued.
According to the EPA, the rule establishes compliance deadlines to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos that range from immediately to 12 years.
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