The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Monday a new measure implemented by the Biden administration to either ban or phase out the current uses of asbestos. This decision provides a clear roadmap for industries to move away from this hazardous substance, known for causing severe health issues such as lung cancer. Despite its historical applications in various industries like roofing, cement, and water disinfection, the significant health risks associated with asbestos have led to a decline in its usage over the years.
Industries that continue to utilize asbestos, like for manufacturing vehicle brakes and oil and gas drilling, are now required to seek alternatives as per the new regulations. The EPA has outlined a reasonable transition period for these industries to comply with the ban without causing immediate disruptions to their operations.
The focus of the prohibition is on chrysotile asbestos, the only type of asbestos permitted for use in the United States. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the administration’s commitment to public health, underscoring the well-established link between asbestos exposure and severe health consequences. Regan stated, “The science is clear — asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health.”
This policy marks a departure from the previous administration’s approach, which centered around disclosures and safety assessments rather than imposing a direct ban on asbestos usage. Asbestos exposure is known to lead to serious health conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, contributing to an estimated 40,000 deaths in the US annually.
The new rule, initially proposed in 2022, provides extended compliance timelines. For instance, the chlor-alkali industry has been given up to 12 years to phase out asbestos from their processes. The ban targets specific asbestos-containing products, with sheet gaskets facing a two-year prohibition, while brakes in automotive and oil production have a six-month compliance deadline.
While many health advocates welcome the regulation as a significant step forward, concerns linger regarding the extended compliance timelines and the exclusive focus on chrysotile asbestos while other types remain unaddressed.
