SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5458

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in rock and soil. Because of its strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used as insulation and as a fire retardant.

Exposure to asbestos is recognized as a health hazard. Breathing asbestos fibers can damage the lungs, and impair lung functions that may lead to disability and death. Asbestos also causes lung cancer and other diseases such as mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane lining the lungs or stomach.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began regulating asbestos in 1973. In 1989, EPA banned most uses of asbestos. However, that rule was overturned, which resulted in allowing most of the existing manufacture, importation, processing, or distribution for many of the products containing asbestos that were banned. Prohibited asbestos-containing uses include spray-applied surfacing, pipe insulation and block insulation on boilers and hot water tanks, artificial fireplace embers, and wall-patching compounds. Products containing asbestos that are not banned include the following: cement flat sheet, clothing, pipeline wrap, roofing felt, vinyl floor tile, cement shingles, cement pipe, millboard, automobile components, and non-roofing and roof coatings.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration provides worker safety regulations for uses and proper handling of asbestos. Within the state, local clean air agencies regulate asbestos abatement in homes and commercial buildings. The regulations provide for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): Beginning January 1, 2014, building materials containing asbestos must be labeled as such to be manufactured, sold, or distributed in the state. Stock on hand must be labeled after December 31, 2013. Retailers that do not manufacture, wholesale, or distribute asbestos-containing building materials are exempt. Building materials do not include mobile means of transportation, such as cars, recreational vehicles, or boats.

Asbestos-containing building materials must have a label that clearly identifies it as containing asbestos. A label must be placed on the exterior packaging or wrapping with the product name and description and on the exterior surface of the building material itself. The minimum requirements for the label are specified. The labeling of asbestos-containing materials does not apply to materials used for U.S. military purposes or building materials already applied, installed, or used by consumers.

A manufacturer, wholesaler, or distributor may request in writing an exemption to the labeling requirement. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) may grant the exemption, and apply terms and conditions, if it determines the requirements are technically infeasible or will create an undue hardship. The exemption may not exceed three years.

Ecology and local clean air agencies enforce the labeling requirements through provisions under the clean air act.