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Re:EPA is allowing asbestos back into manufacturing by randcraw on Tuesday August 07, 2018 @11:26AM (#17707457)
If asbestos is enclosed, what's the point in using it? Why not just build the entire object using the material that enclosed the asbestos?

Safety analysis on a 'case-by-case basis' will take place where the product is made, not where it's sold. In China. So you believe Chinese inspectors will keep Americans safe?

Re:EPA is allowing asbestos back into manufacturing by throwawaymath on Tuesday August 07, 2018 @11:46AM (#17707667)
> If asbestos is enclosed, what's the point in using it? Why not just build the entire object using the material that enclosed the asbestos?

Asbestos is carcinogenic because it's extremely fibrous. By enclosing asbestos you mitigate its deleterious effects on human lungs. However, you do not remove its insulation properties, which may not be shared by whatever is physically enclosing it.

Simply put: all you need to prevent fibrous material from entering the lungs is a physical barrier. But a physical barrier is insufficient to provide insulation. Sandwiched asbestos provides insulation that the enclosure material cannot provide on its own.

Re:EPA is allowing asbestos back into manufacturing by grenoire on Tuesday August 07, 2018 @11:31AM (#17707512)
Because the material itself may not have the insulating properties of asbestos itself. Additionally the material enclosing might be more expensive than asbestos too.