Which federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing asbestos regulations?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency primarily responsible for enforcing asbestos regulations. The EPA was established with the mission to protect human health and the environment, and asbestos, being a hazardous substance, falls under its jurisdiction. The agency implements regulations and guidelines pertaining to asbestos under the Clean Air Act, specifically addressing its use and management in various contexts, including manufacturing, demolition, and building maintenance. Moreover, the EPA conducts inspections, monitors asbestos in the environment, and provides guidance and resources for safe asbestos handling and removal, which reinforces its primary role in asbestos regulation enforcement.

While OSHA is crucial for worker safety and does have regulations regarding asbestos in the workplace, its focus is more on setting safety standards and protecting employees from exposure rather than enforcing a comprehensive regulatory framework like the EPA does. NIOSH conducts research and provides recommendations for preventing work-related diseases, but it does not enforce regulations. FEMA focuses on disaster response and recovery rather than environmental health issues like asbestos.