SWCAA News Story Archives
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Washington's Asbestos Product Labeling Law
Read Senate Bill 5458 by clicking here. Who does the new law affect? The new law applies to manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of asbestos-containing building materials. What does the new law require? Effective January 1, 2014, the marketers of products described above must prominently label both the product and packaging for the following building materials (1) any building material naturally containing more than one percent asbestos, and (2) any building material that has any amount of asbestos added to it. Where does the label go? In a prominent location near the product name or description on the exterior wrapping or packing in which the product is stored, shipped, and sold. On the exterior surface of the asbestos-containing building material itself, unless it is sold as a liquid or paste or unless it is sand or gravel. What does the label say? At a minimum, the label must read: CAUTION! This product contains ASBESTOS, which is known to cause cancer and lung disease. Avoid creating dust. Intentionally removing or tampering with this label is a violation of state law. Are there exemptions? Retailers that do not manufacture, wholesale or distribute asbestos containing building materials are exempt from the labeling requirements. Asbestos containing building materials that have already been installed, applied or used by the consumer; or are used solely for the U.S. Military purposes.
Saturday, September 21, 2013 - The 2013 Legislature passed a law requiring labeling for certain building materials that contain asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral fiber. Because of its strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials. Today, asbestos-containing building materials are still imported, sold and used in the United States.
The term building materials does not include products designed for automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats or other mobile means of transportation.