What is the role of the EPA concerning asbestos?

The role of the EPA concerning asbestos primarily involves regulation of its use and disposal. This is crucial due to the significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure, which can lead to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The EPA establishes guidelines and regulations that dictate how asbestos can be handled safely, including its removal, management, and the standards for disposal. This regulation aims to mitigate the risks to both workers who may be exposed to asbestos and the general public, ensuring that guidelines are followed to minimize exposure and contamination.

Education about the risks is important, but it is only one aspect of the EPA's broader responsibilities. Promoting the use of asbestos is contrary to current understanding of its health impacts, and while funding for removal projects may be part of specific initiatives, it does not encompass the primary role of the agency. Thus, the focus on regulation reflects the EPA's commitment to public health and safety while managing environmental concerns related to asbestos.