Which federal agency is responsible for regulating asbestos in the workplace?

The federal agency responsible for regulating asbestos in the workplace is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA's role involves setting and enforcing workplace safety and health regulations, including those specific to asbestos exposure. They have established permissible exposure limits, mandatory training requirements for workers, and guidelines for safe handling and removal of asbestos materials. This focus ensures that workers are protected from the harmful effects of asbestos.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does play a crucial role in regulating asbestos in the environment, particularly concerning its use and disposal, OSHA's regulations specifically target workplace safety. The Department of Labor oversees OSHA but does not directly regulate asbestos; instead, it supports and facilitates the enforcement of OSHA guidelines. The Consumer Product Safety Commission primarily deals with consumer products and their safety rather than workplace safety regulations related to hazardous materials like asbestos.

Understanding the specific roles of each agency clarifies why OSHA is the correct answer for workplace regulation when it comes to asbestos exposure.