📅 2026 Update: Recent Asbestos Regulation Developments in South Carolina

Since the original article was published, several important changes have taken place regarding asbestos regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented new rules that impact the use and disposal of chrysotile asbestos.

These updates are crucial for understanding current risks and legal responsibilities concerning asbestos exposure.

The earlier article continues further down this page. Here are the most significant updates relevant to South Carolina asbestos laws.

🏛️ New EPA Regulations

In May 2024, the EPA's ban on chrysotile asbestos took effect. This marked a critical step in reducing exposure risks. The ban includes the manufacture, import, processing, and commercial use of chrysotile asbestos.

  • 📅 November 2024: The EPA added specific products to the ban list, including oilfield brake blocks and automotive brakes. This means that these products will no longer legally contain chrysotile asbestos.

♻️ Disposal Requirements

As of November 2024, disposing of chrysotile asbestos must follow strict guidelines. Individuals and businesses must comply with the Asbestos General Industry Standard and specific waste disposal requirements.

  • 🗑️ Regulatory Compliance: The disposal must meet the standards outlined in 40 CFR 61.150 to ensure safe handling and public health protection.

📊 Reporting Obligations

From February to May 2024, certain manufacturers had to report exposure data to the EPA. This includes details on the quantities of asbestos produced and employee safety measures.

  • 📑 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): These reporting requirements are part of ongoing efforts to monitor and manage asbestos risks more effectively.

⚖️ Legal Challenges

In August 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals paused legal challenges to the chrysotile asbestos ban. This allows the EPA time to reconsider the rule under the current administration.

  • ⚖️ Pending Lawsuit: ADAO filed a lawsuit against the EPA in April 2026, seeking faster actions on risk evaluations. This case is still pending.

📌 Key Updates Summary

  • 📅 Ban on chrysotile asbestos effective May 28, 2024.
  • 🏛️ Additional product bans started in November 2024.
  • ♻️ Strict disposal requirements were established as of November 2024.
  • 📊 Reporting obligations for manufacturers occurred early in 2024.
  • ⚖️ Ongoing legal challenges may affect future regulations.

💡 Tips for Understanding Asbestos Regulations

Reviewing details specific to your situation with an attorney is essential.

🏢 Know Your Rights

Understand the rights you have regarding asbestos exposure, especially if you work in industries where asbestos is present. This knowledge can help you navigate legal avenues if needed.

📄 Stay Informed on Regulations

Keep updated on local and federal asbestos regulations. Changes can affect how you handle, dispose of, or report asbestos exposure.

🗑️ Follow Disposal Guidelines

If you encounter asbestos, ensure that disposal follows the required guidelines. This helps protect both public health and the environment.

📊 Be Aware of Reporting Requirements

If you are involved in manufacturing or processing asbestos, familiarize yourself with reporting obligations under the TSCA. This may involve collecting detailed data on exposure and usage.

🏥 Seek Health Monitoring

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, consider regular health check-ups. Early detection of related health issues can be crucial for effective treatment.

📞 Connect with Support Organizations

Reach out to organizations like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization for resources and support. They can provide valuable information about safety and health risks associated with asbestos.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is chrysotile asbestos?

Chrysotile asbestos is a type of asbestos commonly used in construction and manufacturing. It is known for its heat resistance but poses significant health risks, including lung diseases.

🏢 Who is at risk for asbestos exposure?

Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing are at higher risk. Family members of these workers may also be at risk from secondary exposure.

📜 Are there penalties for violating asbestos regulations?

Yes, violations of asbestos regulations can lead to civil penalties. The EPA enforces strict compliance to protect public health and the environment.

🏥 What health issues are linked to asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Regular health monitoring is advisable for those at risk.

🏛️ How do state laws differ from federal laws on asbestos?

State laws may provide additional regulations beyond federal guidelines. It is essential to consult state-specific resources for comprehensive information.

⚖️ What legal actions can be taken for asbestos-related illnesses?

Individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses may pursue legal claims against responsible parties, including manufacturers and employers. Legal assistance can help navigate these processes.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Asbestos

Recent court rulings highlight significant developments in asbestos-related cases. These rulings can shape the landscape of asbestos regulations and claims.

Readers can browse more rulings on the news page for the latest updates on court decisions and their implications.

End of October 2026 Update






 



As is the case with many coastal states, shipyards are a major source of asbestos contamination in the state.  This, along with the mining of vermiculite and the textile industry, have given South Carolina an average number of asbestos related illnesses when compared to the rest of the country.  The South Carolina Department of Health and Environment is the leading compliance and enforcement agency for South Carolina asbestos laws.  This agency will certify and license a number of asbestos professionals, each serving different functions.  In addition, the SCDHEC will provide information to the public about asbestos in the home, regulate asbestos abatement in the state and provide the forms necessary to carry out the demolition or renovation of any large structure subject to South Carolina asbestos laws.



 

South Carolina Asbestos Laws


 



Contamination sites in South Carolina 



 



 



Shipyards that used asbestos are particularly dangerous to those that worked there.  Ships are confined spaces and during construction tend to be poorly ventilated.  When adding these factors to the sprayed application of asbestos fibers, conditions in the ship were a definite hazard with a high concentration of fibers.  Asbestos in ships were used to fireproof and waterproof proof surfaces and machinery.  Sailors and those that did repairs on these ships post-construction may have also been exposed to asbestos containing materials.



 



 



The textile industry also used asbestos extensively, especially after World War II.  Asbestos was an excellent insulator that did not conduct electricity.  These insulation applications are friable however and as such, many factory workers were not protected from these small fibers.  Those that worked there may develop respiratory problems at a later date.



 



 



Asbestos in the home 



 



 



Homes pose the greatest current risk to South Carolina residents, as most of the asbestos material used for these structures remains intact.  Many applications of asbestos in the home remain safe, as they are non-friable and unlikely to be released into the air, where it will pose a health risk.  The friable applications however, which include insulation, plaster and ceiling coatings, should be removed as quickly as possible, as these applications gradually crumble and release dangerous fibers.



 



 



Demolitions will require the removal of all asbestos containing material if it can be crumbled or compromised during the process.  This includes many indurate, non-friable applications.  Renovations may leave some non-friable applications as long as that area of the structure is not undergoing renovation.



 



 



Asbestos inspection



 



 



To ensure you comply with South Carolina asbestos laws, you will need to find a South Carolina asbestos inspector, licensed by the state essential.  The Asbestos Control Program will maintain a listing of these inspectors and these inspectors will identify ACMs through testing and recommend a course of action.



 



 



Asbestos litigation



 



 



South Carolina law is structured to discourage personal injury lawsuits.  This makes suing for damages substantially difficult due to a high burden of proof placed on the plaintiff.  Those that wish to sue for damages in South Carolina must have a verifiable asbestos related illness and provide painstaking evidence of exposure and the nature of that illness in order to file a lawsuit.