§5–601.

    (a)    The General Assembly finds that:

        (1)    exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogenic agent, creates a significant hazard to the health of the people of the State;

        (2)    asbestos protective clothing that is used improperly or that is not maintained properly exposes a worker to this hazard;

        (3)    protective materials have been developed as substitutes for asbestos; and

        (4)    it is in the public interest to protect workers from this hazard by eliminating the use of asbestos protective clothing.

    (b)    (1)    A person may not sell in the State any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing.

        (2)    An employer may not:

            (i)    buy, for use by an employee, any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing;

            (ii)    ask or require an employee to use any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing; or

            (iii)    keep or otherwise possess any item of new or used asbestos protective clothing at a place of employment.