Federal regulations apply to the handling or disturbing of what substances?

Federal regulations apply to the handling or disturbing of lead-based paint and asbestos due to the significant health hazards they pose. Lead-based paint is particularly concerning in homes built before 1978, when regulations were put in place to limit its use, as exposure can lead to serious health issues, especially in young children. Similarly, asbestos is a known carcinogen, and its use has been largely banned due to the risk of serious respiratory diseases from inhalation of its fibers.

These regulations are put in place to protect the health and safety of workers and the public during renovation and demolition activities that could disturb these materials. Guidelines by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stipulate that proper handling, containment, and disposal methods must be followed when dealing with lead and asbestos.

In contrast, the other substances listed do not have the same level of federal regulatory scrutiny concerning general handling or disturbing processes. While coal, dust, petroleum products, and unregulated chemicals may have some specific regulations related to their safety and environmental impact, they do not pertain to the same focused health risks as lead-based paint and asbestos, which are directly addressed through stringent federal guidelines.