According to Regulation 8, all laboratories used to analyze asbestos samples must be approved by whom?

The correct answer is that laboratories used to analyze asbestos samples must be approved by the EPA, aligning with Regulation 8. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in establishing standards and protocols for the analysis of hazardous substances, including asbestos. This ensures that the laboratories adhere to stringent regulations that maintain the integrity and reliability of testing processes.

Approval from the EPA is vital not only for regulatory compliance but also for public health and safety, as it ensures that asbestos analysis is performed accurately and consistently. Laboratories undergo a rigorous evaluation process to meet EPA guidelines, which include qualifications, equipment, methods, and quality control measures.

The other choices, such as NIST, OSHA, and state authorities, while involved in various aspects of environmental protection and worker safety, do not specifically provide the necessary approval for asbestos sample analysis under Regulation 8. NIST is focused on standardization and measurements, OSHA primarily addresses workplace safety and health regulations but does not directly approve laboratories for asbestos analysis, and state authorities may have their regulations but typically align with federal standards set by the EPA for asbestos analysis.