The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a significant step by announcing a comprehensive ban on asbestos, a known carcinogen that continues to be used in various products, leading to tens of thousands of deaths in the United States annually. This new rule, a result of the 2016 law that revamped regulations concerning toxic chemicals in everyday items, will prohibit the use of chrysotile asbestos, the only remaining form of asbestos used in the country.
Asbestos, found in products like brake linings and gaskets, as well as in the manufacturing of chlorine bleach and sodium hydroxide, poses severe health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers. The ban on asbestos aligns with President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to eradicate cancer in the U.S.
The EPA's ban on asbestos diaphragms used in chlor-alkali production, primarily for bleach and caustic soda, will come into effect immediately upon publication of the rule. Other bans on asbestos-containing products, such as oilfield brake blocks and sheet gaskets, will be phased in over the next two to five years to allow for a transition to safer alternatives.
While asbestos use has been declining in the U.S. for decades and is banned in over 50 countries, the EPA's latest rule signifies a crucial move towards protecting public health and reducing exposure to this hazardous substance. The EPA's actions are in line with the 2016 law that mandated the evaluation of chemicals and the implementation of safeguards against unreasonable risks posed by toxic substances.
Advocacy groups, such as the Environmental Working Group, have praised the EPA's decision to ban asbestos, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public health over the interests of polluters. This ban marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard American families, workers, and communities from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.
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