Biden Administration Finalizes Chrysotile Asbestos Ban

Joining 50 other countries that have already banned asbestos, the United States is now banning chrysotile asbestos. The Biden administration has officially finalized the ban that follows decades of calls from survivors of asbestos-related diseases, medical professionals, veterans and first responders. Chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos, continues to be imported into the U.S., particularly for use in the chloralkali industry. Anticipating a ban, imports of asbestos rose dramatically in 2022 from 100 metric tons in all of 2021 to 114 metric tons in just the first 3 months of 2022, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. This new ban is the first of its kind in more than 30 years. The Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to ban asbestos was overturned in 1989. The EPA tried again to ban asbestos in 2022, but the measure stalled. The 2022 proposal would have phased out chrysotile asbestos after 2 years. Is This Ban Enough? Advocates and Experts React  This new ban is a significant step, but some asbestos-related disease experts and advocates feel it’s not strong enough. Companies will be given a phase-out period of up to 12 years, allowing them to continue using it in manufacturing during that time. Though chrysotile is the main type of asbestos currently imported and used in the U.S., this ban doesn’t explicitly ban all types of asbestos.  Dr. Raja Flores, chairman of the department of thoracic surgery for Mount Si...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos (general) Asbestos Exposure Companies Legal Support/Support Groups/Organizations Source Type: news