EPA Sets New SNUR on Discontinued New Uses of Asbestos

The Environmental Protection Agency is setting a new significant new use rule (SNUR) intended to stop asbestos from returning to the market for discontinued uses. The new SNUR applies to any use of asbestos that is not ongoing or already prohibited. Uses specifically identified as covered by the SNUR include adhesives, sealants, and roof and non-roof coatings; arc chutes; beater-add gaskets; cement products; extruded sealant tape and other tape; filler for acetylene cylinders; friction materials (with some exceptions); high-grade electrical paper; millboard; missile liner; packings; pipeline wrap; reinforced plastics; roofing felt; separators in fuel cells and batteries; vinyl-asbestos floor tile; woven products; any other building material; and any uses not named that are still covered if they’re not ongoing or already prohibited. The SNUR does not change any current prohibitions on use of asbestos already in place, EPA said. Any uses covered by the SNUR will require notification to EPA at least 90 days in advance of use, giving EPA a chance to review the intended use, the agency said. The final rule takes effect June 24.