Which agency governs workplace safety regarding asbestos exposure?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency responsible for setting and enforcing standards for workplace safety, including guidelines regarding asbestos exposure. OSHA develops regulations to protect workers from harmful substances and practices in the workplace. Asbestos is known to pose serious health risks, such as lung disease and cancer, so OSHA has established permissible exposure limits and requirements for monitoring and managing asbestos in occupational settings.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental regulations and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and provides recommendations regarding occupational health, it is OSHA that enforces safety regulations within workplaces. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) addresses public health issues related to hazardous substances but does not oversee workplace safety regulations. Hence, OSHA is the key agency governing workplace safety concerning asbestos exposure.