December 7, 2005—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the Asbestos Project Plan describing its current and planned actions to ensure a coordinated agency-wide approach to identify, evaluate, and reduce the risks to people from asbestos exposure.
The plan focuses on improving the state of the science for asbestos; identifying and addressing exposure and seeking risk reduction opportunities associated with asbestos in products, schools, and buildings; and better understanding and minimizing asbestos exposures through assessment and cleanup.
The agency is also currently updating the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) file for asbestos, and has started work on the non-cancer assessment. As part of its effort to address asbestos-related issues comprehensively, EPA is working with other federal agencies and with state and tribal representatives to ensure that there is appropriate coordination among government agencies.
As EPA obtains new information, the agency says it will take additional appropriate steps to address asbestos exposure and reduce risk to the public. For more information visit EPA’s page on asbestos issues.
