A complete ban on asbestos was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday, making the U.S. one of the last Western countries to outlaw the carcinogenic chemical, and following decades of thwarted political efforts to end its use.a finalized ban of chrysotile asbestos , the only form of asbestos still regulated for use and import in the U.S. and most commonly used in chlorine bleach.
The proposed ban would immediately make importing chrysotile asbestos illegal when the ban is put into place, though it would give companies 12 years to phase out the use of asbestos in building materials.up until the 1980s as insulation in building materials and other products since it’s fire resistant and strong, but was also used in automotive parts like brake pads and gaskets.
The only industry still importing chrysotile asbestos is the chlor-alkali industry, which uses the chemical to make chlorine bleach, according to the EPA’s announcement.Overhave a complete ban on all forms of asbestos, including the U.K., Canada, Australia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Argentina and Brazil, with some country bans dating back to the 1980s.
The chemical is highly toxic: tiny fibers make their way into the lungs and remain for a long time after breathing in, increasing the risk of developing certain cancers like lung cancer and mesothelioma,“Today’s rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos—a carcinogen that has killed far too many,” Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore, said in a statement.that chrysotile is safe when used correctly.
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