Which federal agency regulates asbestos in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating asbestos in the United States. The EPA was established to protect human health and the environment, and its regulations cover various environmental hazards, including asbestos. The agency implements rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), specifically addressing asbestos management, banning certain asbestos-containing products, and establishing guidelines for its safe handling and disposal.

The focus of the EPA's asbestos regulations is to ensure that exposure to this hazardous material is minimized, particularly in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This regulation is crucial given the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including lung diseases and cancers.

Other agencies, such as OSHA, also play a role in occupational safety regarding asbestos exposure in the workplace but do not hold the primary regulatory authority for asbestos management nationwide. The Department of Labor serves broader purposes related to labor laws, while the FBI focuses on law enforcement and national security matters, thus having no role in asbestos regulation.