The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

EPA News Brief: EPA Releases Guidance to Reduce Mechanics' Exposure to Asbestos

*News Brief 

*If you need more information on this subject, call the listed Press Officer. 

For Release: (Washington, D.C. -- Wednesday, August 23, 2006) 
* 
EPA Releases Guidance to Reduce Mechanics' Exposure to Asbestos 

*Contacts: (Media only) Dale Kemery, (202) 564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov 
(Other inquiries) Sheila Canavan, (202) 566-1978 / canavan.sheila@epa.gov 

The Environmental Protection Agency is updating its guidance to protect the health of auto mechanics with the release of a draft brochure entitled, "Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers". The brochure contains information for both automotive professionals and home mechanics. EPA is providing the public 60 days to comment on the brochure. 

The brochure includes work practices that may be used to avoid asbestos exposure. It also summarizes existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulatory requirements for professional automotive mechanics. When finalized, the brochure will supersede the existing "Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics, "known as the "Gold Book." 

Asbestos is the common name given to a number of naturally occurring mineral fibers that have been used in manufactured goods due to their high tensile strength, resistance to heat, and chemical stability. Because of these properties, asbestos fibers have been used in a number of products, including automobile clutch and brake parts. 

Exposure to asbestos is potentially harmful to human health if microscopic asbestos fibers, released into the air when asbestos is disturbed or in poor condition, are inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos exposure has been associated with a number of serious health problems and diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. 

EPA welcomes all suggestions for improving the draft brochure and will, where appropriate, incorporate changes to the final brochure. EPA will announce the availability of the final brochure through a future Federal Register notice. 
 
More information: 
Asbestos: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos [ http://www.epa.gov/asbestos ] 
The draft brochure: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/goldbook.html [ http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/goldbook.html ] 
To file comments: http://www.regulations.gov [ http://www.regulations.gov/ ] docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0398 

R230 

 

View all news releases related to pesticides and toxic chemicals [ http://service.govdelivery.com/service/edition.html?code=USAEPA_24&format=Web&email_type=bulletin ] 

 

 

You can update or cancel your subscription at any time [ https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=USAEPA ]. You need only your e-mail address (and your password if you have selected one). 

This service is provided free of charge by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

If you have any questions or problems about this service, please contact help@govdelivery.com [ mailto:help@govdelivery.com ] for assistance. 

Sent by the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW . Washington DC 20460 . 202-564-4355