Which act regulates asbestos abatement activities in the United States?

The regulation of asbestos abatement activities in the United States is governed primarily by the Clean Air Act. This act establishes standards aimed at protecting air quality and includes specific provisions for managing hazardous air pollutants, which encompass asbestos. Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authority to implement regulations addressing all aspects associated with asbestos abatement, including the emission of asbestos fibers into the air during renovation, demolition, and other construction activities.

The other acts mentioned have their specific focuses: The Clean Water Act governs water pollution, the Occupational Safety and Health Act relates to workplace safety and health standards, and the Toxic Substances Control Act regulates the introduction of new or existing chemicals but does not specifically address asbestos abatement in the same detail as the Clean Air Act. These distinctions clarify why the Clean Air Act is the appropriate selection for regulating asbestos abatement activities specifically.