In a landmark move, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a comprehensive ban on chrysotile asbestos, marking a significant step forward in the battle against a public health crisis. This toxic mineral is associated with lung cancer and other severe health conditions. It is estimated to contribute to approximately 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
This decisive action comes after decades of regulatory challenges and marks a pivotal moment in U.S. environmental policy. EPA Administrator Michael Regan heralded the ban as a long-overdue victory for public health. He emphasized that the United States is joining over 50 other nations in eliminating the use of this hazardous material. The ban is a significant policy shift and reflection of a broader commitment to safeguarding the health of the American public.
This historic regulation is made possible by the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, revitalized by a bipartisan effort in Congress in 2016 to address the nation’s delayed response to the asbestos threat. This updated legislation granted the EPA enhanced authority to protect individuals from toxic substances, an authority significantly undermined by a 1991 federal court decision.
Health Impacts of Asbestos Exposure
There has been a decline in asbestos use due to concerns over legal liability. However, certain professions, such as construction workers, firefighters, and paramedics, regularly face exposure risks. These individuals often work in or around older buildings where asbestos-containing materials remain. When these materials are disturbed or demolished, they release fine asbestos fibers into the air.
The real danger emerges when these microscopic fibers cling to skin and clothing. This creates a direct path to the lungs when inhaled. Over time, the accumulation of these fibers in the lungs can lead to severe health issues. Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition marked by the scarring of lung tissue, is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Over time, this scarring thickens lung tissue, making it hard for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. People with asbestosis experience severe shortness of breath and a persistent cough. In advanced cases, it can lead to heart problems and more severe lung conditions.
What is White Asbestos?
The EPA has targeted chrysotile asbestos, commonly referred to as “white asbestos.” Chrysotile asbestos is a mineral fiber known for its heat resistance, flexibility, and strength. It is the most commonly used form of asbestos, found in products ranging from building materials like roofing and flooring to brake linings and insulation. Despite its widespread use, chrysotile asbestos poses significant health risks when its fibers are inhaled, leading to serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer.
What Does This Ban Mean For You?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking decisive steps to stop the use of asbestos in the United States, especially in industries like chlor-alkali production. The chlor-alkali industry uses asbestos diaphragms to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide, which are essential for disinfecting drinking water and wastewater. Starting immediately, the EPA has banned importing asbestos used by the chlor-alkali sector. This means the eight facilities still using asbestos must switch to safer alternatives within the next few years.
The rule also includes:
- A ban on most asbestos-containing gaskets within two years.
- Special allowances for certain uses, like nuclear material processing, can continue under strict conditions to protect workers.
- A ban on asbestos in car parts and other products will go into effect within six months.
Environmental and health advocates have lauded the EPA’s action but urge further measures to eliminate all forms of asbestos. The continued risk of exposure underscores the need for comprehensive protection against all asbestos-related hazards. As we look ahead, this ban lays the groundwork for continued efforts to remove all types of asbestos and other hazardous substances, steering us toward a future where health and safety are prioritized for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer and suspect it’s linked to asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options for compensation. Contact us today so we can put you in touch with a care coordinator who can arrange a visit to your home to discuss your situation, explain your legal rights in detail, and outline how we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.