EPA Proposes to Ban Last Form of Asbestos Used in U.S.

WEDNESDAY, April 6, 2022 (HealthDay Information) — A proposed rule to ban ongoing makes use of of the one identified type of asbestos imported into america has been launched by the U.S. Environmental Safety Company (EPA).

The ban would apply to chrysotile asbestos, which is thought to trigger most cancers and is present in merchandise like asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, different automobile friction merchandise, and different gaskets imported into america

The proposed rule would rectify a 1991 court decision that largely overturned the EPA’s 1989 ban on asbestos and considerably weakened the company’s authority to scale back dangers to human well being from asbestos or different current chemical substances, the EPA stated.

“Immediately, we’re taking an vital step ahead to guard public well being and eventually put an finish to using harmful asbestos in america,” EPA administrator Michael Regan stated in an company news release. “This historic proposed ban would shield the American individuals from publicity to chrysotile asbestos, a identified carcinogen.”

Asbestos is banned in additional than 50 nations and its use in america has been declining for years. Most client merchandise that traditionally contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued in america, and uncooked chrysotile asbestos presently imported into america is used completely by the chlor-alkali chemical business.

Chlor-alkali chemical substances are utilized in a lot of sectors of the U.S. financial system and in ingesting water remedy, which makes use of chlorine manufactured by means of the chlor-alkali course of.

There are alternate options to asbestos-containing diaphragms for chlor-alkali crops. The usage of alternate options, particularly membrane cells, accounts for nearly half of the nation’s chlor-alkali manufacturing, in keeping with the EPA.

The company can also be evaluating different varieties and makes use of of asbestos, together with its use in talc and talc-containing merchandise.

Extra info

The U.S. Environmental Safety Company has far more on asbestos.