Which organization is primarily responsible for regulating asbestos in the United States?

The correct response identifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the primary organization responsible for regulating asbestos in the United States. The EPA plays a critical role in protecting public health and the environment by establishing guidelines and regulations concerning the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos.

The agency has the authority to enforce regulations under the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act, which specifically address asbestos-related activities. Through its regulations, the EPA aims to minimize exposure to asbestos, mitigate health risks associated with it, and oversee the remediation of asbestos in various settings, including schools and commercial buildings.

The other organizations mentioned have important roles in occupational safety and health but do not primarily regulate asbestos. For example, OSHA sets workplace safety standards and could impose regulations concerning workplace exposure to asbestos, but its focus is more on worker safety than on environmental regulation. NIOSH conducts research and provides recommendations for preventing work-related injury and illness, including hazards from asbestos, but it does not enforce regulations. FEMA is primarily focused on disaster response and recovery, rather than regulating substances like asbestos.

In summary, the EPA's comprehensive framework for regulating asbestos, from usage to disposal, clearly establishes its central role in managing this hazardous material in the U.S.