As of Dec. 31, 2003, it is illegal under the laws of each state and territory to use, re-use or sell any products containing asbestos, including automotive brake pads and gaskets. A customs regulation bans imports and exports of asbestos-containing materials.
The ban will not apply to asbestos products and materials that are already in place. But when they are replaced, non-asbestos alternatives must be used.
Under the new regulations, any stockpiles of asbestos-containing products must be safely disposed of under the applicable state and territory regulations.
Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.
