The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has taken decisive action by banning the use of chrysotile asbestos, the last form of asbestos that was still utilized or imported into the country. This measure is aimed at safeguarding public health from the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, which is linked to various types of cancer. The ban is specifically targeted at the ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, known for its application in car parts, including aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, among other vehicle friction products and gaskets. This type of asbestos is the most prevalent worldwide and had remained in use despite being prohibited in 50 other nations.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in nature that was once favored for its flexibility and resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Its affordability led to widespread use in a range of products from cigarette filters and hair dryers to home insulation. However, the discovery that asbestos fibers could break down into microscopic particles, capable of being inhaled and causing severe lung damage, led to a gradual decline in its use.
Despite the drop in asbestos utilization, it is estimated to be linked to over 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone, according to the EPA. Health conditions associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancers of the ovary and larynx. Celebrated as a crucial milestone in chemical safety, this ban reflects the EPA’s commitment under President Biden’s administration to address longstanding public health concerns. The rule sets forth varying deadlines for different industries to transition away from using asbestos, with a specific timeline for the auto industry and an extended period for the chlor-alkali industry, which uses asbestos diaphragms in the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide crucial for water treatment.
This rule represents the first to be finalized under the updated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) process, showcasing a dedicated effort to enhance the nation’s chemical safety framework after years of delayed action. Alongside this ban, the EPA is evaluating the legacy uses of asbestos and asbestos-containing talc to further protect public health. This comprehensive approach underlines the administration’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, aiming to reduce the cancer burden in the U.S. and marking a pivotal step towards eliminating the use of hazardous substances in industries.
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