After the recent update implemented to the toxic substances law came into effect, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared asbestos to be first substance to be evaluated under the law.

Asbestos is one of ten chemicals to be evaluated by the EPA, due to the public health risks these these substances present.

To start off the evaluation, the EPA is examining imported brake components that reportedly contain asbestos.

As of June 22, 2016, the Toxic Substance Control Act was amended, which allowed the EPA to identity the asbestos health risks associated with contaminated materials.

The Lautenberg Act had required the EPA to identity ten high priority chemicals that have to undergo risk evaluation, with asbestos being at the top.

“The continued importation of asbestos-containing brakes and brake component material presents an unreasonable risk to the health of American workers,” the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association told the EPA in their letter of concern.

Overview of Asbestos Health Risks

These brake products not only pose asbestos health risks to auto manufacturing company workers, but also to consumers who implement their own brakes.

Even though members of the Motor & Equipment Manufactures Association had phased out asbestos equipment years ago, there is still concern of imported brake components containing asbestos.

According to senior vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association Ann Wilson, the association is encouraging the public to work with safe alternatives in all levels of the car component market.

Asbestos car parts are often cheaper than non asbestos products, causing the asbestos components to still be used in service stations and other auto repair shops.

The association pointed out that it was difficult to determine what materials compose the brake pads, with the manufacturing companies not required to add an asbestos warning to the label.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association is one of eight industry groups that is working with the states to protect the public against asbestos health risks.

These industry groups are currently collaborating with the states to phase out dangerous hazardous compounds, with one of their primary focuses being on asbestos containing brake components still entering the United States.

“Roughly $2.2 million in asbestos-containing brake friction materials and pads were imported into the United States in 2013 (most recent full year available),” the association stated.

This statement came from a Bloomberg BNA in an e-mail exchange, confirming the trade agency had provided the information to Congress.

Wilson stated that even though the volume of imported asbestos brakes is small, it accumulated into a bigger concern due to the almost constant need for brake parts in the United States.

Overall, the risk of asbestos health risks to the public will most likely remain a priority for the EPA, until the agency can adequately contain the problem.