You may have been under the impression that asbestos was completely phased out of use in the US but today’s proposal by the EPA would suggest otherwise. The EPA has proposed a rule that will finally outlaw the use of asbestos for any purpose in the US in products like chlorine bleach, brake pads and more. Asbestos still kills around 107,000 people globally with around 15,000 of that number hailing from the US of A. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos and the survival rate is around 40%. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is less than 3 years.

Previous to this move, the US has accepted that some percentage of the population will just have to deal with an increased risk due to their specialized jobs. These professions include:

Asbestos miners
Electricians
Plumbers
Pipefitters
Insulators
Shipyard workers
Demolition Workers
Brake Mechanics
Selected Military personnel
Home remodelers

The risk for Mesothelioma is increased if you have a parent who has had mesothelioma. Additionally, if you live with someone with increased risk, you can also be dangerously exposed. Asbestos fibers adhere to clothing and skin. It’s possible to reduce this risk by changing your clothes and showering before going home but over time, even smaller, more indirect exposures are enough to put family members at risk for illnesses like mesothelioma.

Now, the EPA is raising the bar to exclude ALL forms of asbestos, including chrysotile asbestos. This is a big step forward in protecting Americans in specialized roles from exposure as well. These are preventable deaths and it is good to see the EPA taking this stand.

Resources:

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/05/epa-moves-ban-asbestos-00022900

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/epa-rule-finally-ban-asbestos-carcinogen-83887317