For more than fifty years, mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease advocates have been fighting for a ban on the use of asbestos in the United States. After decades of pushback from the chemical industry and roadblocks imposed by previous administrations, the Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a rule prohibiting ongoing uses of the carcinogenic material.
Protection From Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Diseases First to Arise from TSCA
The asbestos ban represents a significant victory for mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease victims, as well as for those who advocate on their behalf. It follows amendments to the nation’s chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, that were approved in 2016 but continued to face resistance from powerful industry interests. The ban was largely supported by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that causes malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, ovarian cancer, and other serious diseases. More than 40,000 deaths in the United States are linked to asbestos exposure each year. Still, the use of chrysotile asbestos has continued, with the chlor-alkali industry importing the raw material into the United States for use in chemical plants. The original EPA ban on asbestos came in 1989, but a 1991 court decision struck that decision down and weakened the EPA’s authority to address risks to human health from asbestos.
Mesothelioma Advocates Praise EPA Ruling
Speaking of the impact of the decision, the President/CEO and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization said, “Looking back on the 20 years I’ve dedicated to banning chrysotile asbestos, I am filled with a mix of emotions. There have been moments of frustration and disappointment, but also moments of great hope and progress. Through it all, I have been constantly inspired by the courage and resilience of those who have been affected by asbestos-related diseases, and by the tireless commitment of countless advocates and experts.”
Mrs. Reinstein lost her husband Alan to mesothelioma in 2006 and has been tireless in her fight to raise awareness of asbestos’ dangers and ban the toxic substance’s use in the United States. She said, “This experience has shown me that with determination, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to justice, we can achieve even the most challenging goals and create lasting change for the better. Through it all, I have been driven by the knowledge that every step we take brings us closer to protecting countless lives from the devastating effects of asbestos exposure.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to support you. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
