This topic covers OSHA’s regulations regarding exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is associated with a number of adverse health effects, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

OSHA’s asbestos regulations focus on worker protection from exposure and include permissible exposure limits (PELs), requirements for assessment and monitoring, and employee notification requirements. Employers whose workers are exposed to asbestos must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard. There are also EPA standards to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the atmosphere and DOT standards for the transport of asbestos-containing materials.

For related resources and training materials, refer to the following topics:

• Asbestos (Construction) for information on construction-industry asbestos standards
• Permissible Exposure Limits