Although it is widely known that asbestos is harmful to human health asbestos-containing building materials are still imported, sold, and used in the United States. To help protect anyone that may come in contact with asbestos materials, a new labeling law has gone into effect.

Labeling Law

Effective January 1, 2014, manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors of asbestos-containing building materials must prominently label both the product and packaging for the following building materials:

• Any building material naturally containing more than one percent asbestos
• Any building material that has any amount of asbestos added to it

Labeling must be:

• In a prominent location near the product name or description on the exterior wrapping or packaging 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
  • Sand or gravel
• Labeled: "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."

The labeling requirement does not apply to:

• Asbestos-containing building materials that:
  • Are used solely for United States Military purposes
  • Have already been installed, applied or used by the consumer
  • Were purchased by a retailer prior to January 1, 2014 (stock-on-hand)
• Retailers that do not manufacture, wholesale or distribute asbestos-containing building materials
  

The term “building materials” does not include products designed for:

• Boats
• Cars
• Recreational vehicles
• Other mobile means of transportation