US - Historic Ban on Asbestos

Asbestos

Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Historic Ban on Asbestos

In an unprecedented move, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has announced a landmark decision to prohibit the ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, marking a significant advancement in public health and environmental justice. This decision represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s chemical safety efforts, being the first rule finalized under the revised Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) process.
​

The Deadly Impact of Asbestos

For decades, asbestos exposure has been linked to severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, contributing to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. The ban aims to address these longstanding health risks by ending the ongoing uses of asbestos, aligning with President Biden's ambitious Cancer Moonshot initiative to significantly reduce cancer rates and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
​

A Step Forward in Chemical Safety and Environmental Justice

The ban on chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used or imported into the United States, signifies a major leap forward in the country's chemical safety protocols. This action is a result of years of advocacy, scientific research, and bipartisan support, overcoming decades of regulatory hurdles and inadequate protections.
​

CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS & ITS USES

​Chrysotile asbestos is commonly found in various products, including sheet gaskets, brake blocks, and other vehicle friction products. The decline in its use over the years and its ban in over 50 countries underscore the global recognition of its hazards. The EPA's final rule is a comprehensive step that not only bans these dangerous materials but also sets compliance deadlines to transition away from their use, emphasizing the health and safety of American families, workers, and communities.
​

THE ROLE OF THE CHLOR-ALKALI INDUSTRY

​Particularly noteworthy is the immediate ban on the import of asbestos for use in the chlor-alkali industry, a significant source of asbestos use. The EPA mandates a phased transition for facilities using asbestos, ensuring a balanced approach that prevents any disruption to critical water purification efforts. This decision reflects a careful consideration of both public health and industrial needs.
​

CONCLUSION: A FUTURE FREE FROM ASBESTOS

The finalization of this ban is a monumental achievement in the fight against cancer and toxic chemical exposure. It not only protects current and future generations from the deadly effects of asbestos but also sets a precedent for the rigorous evaluation and regulation of other hazardous substances. The Biden-Harris Administration's decisive action on this issue is a testament to their commitment to public health, safety, and environmental justice, moving the United States closer to a future free from asbestos-related risks.
​
For more information visit https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-ban-ongoing-uses-asbestos-protect-people-cancer