With enhanced training and a personal protective environment, workplace safety has made profound progress by now. However, asbestos is still one of the most durable substances that we are aware of. It can still withstand an excess temperature of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, tolerate extreme pressure, and be able to resist chemical breakdown and rusting.
Unfortunately, there’s still an excess amount of asbestos out there, causing harm to people. The Mesothelioma Hope website mentioned a CDC report stating that the United States, on average, witnesses 1,290 asbestos-related deaths. It also mentions that the World Health Organization states that over 90,000 people across the globe die of mesothelioma, caused by asbestos.
Therefore, it’s not a surprise that the United States was finally able to ban asbestos, which was creating health issues for most. Keep reading this article to learn more about it.
The Asbestos Ban in the U.S
In May 2024, the Scientific American website mentioned that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was taking a drastic step in securing public health. The agency had issued a compact ban on asbestos, considered to be a carcinogen causing multiple kinds of cancer.
According to this new rule, the ban includes chrysotile asbestos, which is how the mineral was being used in the U.S. Currently, traces of it are found in products like gaskets and automotive brake linings. It is necessary to note that asbestos has been restricted in over 50 countries globally.
The TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), which is a national chemical safety law, mandated this ban in 2016. The recent decision made by the EPA is considered an important expansion of this rule.
What Led to the Asbestos Ban?
Asbestos is a fibrous, thin, naturally occurring material that is corrosion-resistant and flexible. It can also resist heat and electricity. Also, because it’s affordable, the builders and manufacturers use several types of this material in home insulation, hair dryers, and cigarette filters.
The manufacturers researched asbestos use. They found out that scientists concluded that fibers can be easily separated into small particles that can reach the lungs through inhalation. Since it is carcinogenic, it can cause major damage. Even though asbestos use has been reduced in the US, its exposure has caused over 40,000 deaths across the United States.
People who’ve encountered asbestos exposure can develop mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and even ovarian cancer. Hence, the asbestos ban is considered to be a major milestone regarding chemical safety.
The ‘why’ behind it is absolutely clear. As a carcinogen, asbestos adversely affects public health. Hence, President Biden realized that the issue with this mineral exposure had been spanning across generations and affected innumerable people. Therefore, Michael Regan, EPA administrator, mentioned that the agency is indeed proud to implement this long-awaited ban on asbestos use.
Asbestosis and Its Symptoms
Another disease caused by this mineral exposure is asbestosis. TorHoerman Law states that the disease can take several years to develop, and the person might not have any idea about their illness. It can take as many as 30 years to develop. As microscopic asbestos fibers accumulate in the lungs, there is the formation of scar tissues which makes it challenging to breathe.
Some of the symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Constant cough
- Clubbing of toes and fingertips
- Crackling and dry sounds in the lungs
As the symptoms worsen, the lungs become weak, which can lead to excess complications and death.
In February 2022, the New York Times mentioned an account of the workers in the vermiculite mine of R. Grace & Company. Here, the workers were exposed to asbestos unknowingly, and the company never mentioned this. This withholding of crucial information made workers suffer from asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other lung diseases.
Ralph Hutt, a former laborer for the company, was awarded $36.5 million to cover the damages he faced. Several similar cases are pending, and the workers are having to face delays as well. If you face a similar predicament, make sure to consult an asbestosis lawyer to help you with the legal procedures. They will study your case and determine your eligibility for a lawsuit.
Once you file your legal complaint, you need to follow the guidance of your lawyer to get the justice and compensation you want. Share all the vital evidence in terms of work duration, medical data, and other worker witnesses with the lawyer. They will use it to develop a strong case and ensure you receive your settlement payout to cover your medical expenses.
How Will the Ban be Implemented?
The EPA had come up with various deadlines for multiple industries to transition away from asbestos. For the auto industry, for linings, brakes, and various other vehicle friction gaskets and products, the ban will go into effect six months after the final rule date. That means it will be 60 days after the rule shows up in the Federal Register.
When it comes to the chlor-alkali industry, which is the primary source of chlorine globally, it resorts to asbestos diaphragms for making chlorine and sodium hydroxide. According to the EPA, it is necessary for disinfecting wastewater and drinking water. It seems to be the only way to generate chlorine.
The agency further asserted that there are about eight plants in the United States that make use of asbestos diaphragms. Hence, they might need to look at other procedures for their work. For this transition, they have about 5 years.
The American Chemistry Council mentioned in a statement that the Chlorine Panel offered the EPA the data that a 15-year transition is essential. This timeline is needed to assist in an orderly change and avoid any hazardous disruption of sodium hydroxide and chlorine supplies. Furthermore, according to the EPA, there is a need for strict workplace security measures to secure the worker’s health. It is essential for the phaseouts that take over two years.
Summing up, we are aware that asbestos exposure can lead to lung issues and deadly cancer. It doesn’t just affect your breathing capacity, it also affects your quality of life. Therefore, the decision of the EPA to ban asbestos use in the US is a commendable one. The execution and phase-out will take time. Hence, one has to wait and see the positive changes of this ban.