EPA Facing More Litigation on Legacy Asbestos

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization delivered on an earlier notice of intent to sue by filing an official complaint against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its ongoing risk evaluation of asbestos. ADAO, a leading nonprofit aimed at preventing asbestos exposure, was joined by five other organizations and several public health experts in asking the court to set a deadline for the EPA to complete its work. The lawsuit was filed May 18 in the U.S. Northern District of California Court in San Francisco. The notice of intent to sue  was delivered in January. Thoracic surgeon Dr. Raja Flores of Mount Sinai Hospital, a New York City mayoral candidate, is among the health experts listed as plaintiffs. Michael Regan, EPA administrator, is the defendant. Exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once used ubiquitously in construction, can cause a number of serious health issues, including mesothelioma cancer. The lawsuit contends that the EPA has failed to adequately evaluate asbestos as required by the amended Toxic Substances Control Act. “One thing for sure, the U.S. can’t manage the existing risk of legacy asbestos, nor imports and use,” Linda Reinstein, ADAO president and co-founder, told The Mesothelioma Center at Asbsestos.com. “Americans can’t wait any longer. Our country has been remiss in protecting Americans from harm.” Asbestos Final Risk Evaluation Found Lacking The lawsuit was sparked by the EPA’s Fina...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news