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In a long-awaited move, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a comprehensive ban on all forms of the deadly carcinogen asbestos. Until the order on March 18, 2024, chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos, was the last remaining type still legally used in the US.
The ban follows decades of advocacy from asbestos-related disease survivors, medical professionals, veterans and first responders who have been disproportionately impacted by exposure.
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The prohibition brings the US in line with over 50 other countries that have already outlawed the hazardous material. All asbestos products were banned in all European Union countries from January 1, 2005 — including member states of Eastern Europe. The ban is part of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, an initiative to end cancer.
Asbestos is a generic term for a group of six silicate minerals with similar but distinct properties. It was once widely used in construction materials, insulation and consumer goods. However, all varieties of asbestos are associated with conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer and asbestosis, a lung fibrosis, according to the World Health Organization.
Public awareness and concerns regarding asbestos grew significantly in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a partial ban on many asbestos-containing products. Asbestos consumption in the US (predominantly chrysotile) was 2,230 tonnes in 2006, but decreased to 1,730 tonnes in 2007, according to a paper published in 2008.
Roofing products (includes coatings and compounds) accounted for over 80 per cent of asbestos consumption in the US, the paper highlighted.
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The newly banned chrysotile asbestos was primarily used by the chlor-alkali industry, which produces chlorine bleach, caustic soda and other chemicals used in water treatment. These products are vital for public health, raising concerns about potential disruptions.
However, the EPA emphasised that safer alternatives to chrysotile asbestos diaphragms, the filters used in chlorine production, have been available for some time. “In fact, two-thirds of the chlorine produced in the US is produced without using asbestos,” said an EPA statement.
“The science is clear — asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health. President Biden understands that this concern that has spanned generations and impacted the lives of countless people. That’s why EPA is so proud to finalise this long-needed ban on ongoing uses of asbestos,” said EPA Administrator Michael S Regan in the statement.
The road to a complete ban hasn’t been easy. A previous attempt by the EPA to ban asbestos in 1989 was overturned by a 1991 court decision that weakened the agency’s authority.
The recent success comes under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reformed in 2016. This law granted the EPA broader authority to regulate hazardous chemicals in everyday products.
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While the ban is a significant victory for public health, challenges remain. The EPA will need to work with the chlor-alkali industry to ensure a smooth transition to safer alternatives. Additionally, millions of buildings constructed before the partial ban still contain asbestos.
Asbestos abatement, the process of removing or containing asbestos-containing materials, remains crucial to prevent future exposure and illness.
The US ban on asbestos signifies a turning point in prioritising public health over potential industry concerns. It's a long-overdue step towards protecting workers, veterans, and the general public from the dangers of this proven carcinogen.