A newly-released document from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that the agency is much closer to making a final decision regarding the regulation of chrysotile asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA has released additional data related to the proposed rules change and has opened a 30-day period for comment from the public before reaching its final conclusion.
Ban of Mineral That Causes Malignant Mesothelioma on the Horizon?
Though many Americans believe that the use of asbestos was banned long ago in the United States, the material continues to be used in multiple applications, and most notably by the chlor-alkali industry. The powerful chemical industry has spent years working to block a federal ban on the carcinogenic material, which is used in the diaphragms and sheet gaskets used to produce chlorine.
Exposure to asbestos causes malignant mesothelioma, as well as other deadly asbestos-related diseases. In recent years, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has aggressively pursued the EPA to take action to force the industry to convert to non-asbestos parts and supplies in the interest of safety. Other targets include aftermarket automotive brakes/linings and gaskets.
End to Chlor-Alkali Industry Use of Asbestos Could Come in Two Years
Since the EPA published a proposed rule that would prohibit the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce and commercial use of the asbestos-contaminated materials effective two years after the effective date of their final rule, they have reviewed multiple public comments arguing for and against the two-year time frame.
The chlor-alkali industry has argued that materials shortages and specifics of individual plants make a two-year transition too ambitious a goal. They have suggested that the resulting shortage of chlorine could affect public health and water dafety. The ADAO has countered this assertion with evidence that some of the necessary steps are already being taken and suggested that the agency ask the chlor-alkali companies seven specific questions about conversion. Following this latest round of discussion and new data, the EPA is again inviting public comment over the next 30 days regarding maintaining the currently suggested prohibition compliance dates, staggering the compliance dates, or establishing longer deadlines.
ADAO Responds to EPA Statement
In response to the EPA’s latest announcement, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization issued a statement encouraging the agency to move forward with the shortest possible timeline for requiring the transition away from asbestos. Linda Reinstein, the group’s President and co-founder said, “Since the EPA began its asbestos regulatory process anew in 2016, more than 2,600 metric tons of raw chrysotile asbestos have been imported by Olin, OxyChem, and Westlake Corporations.Meanwhile, nearly 40 other chlor-alkali plants use non-asbestos technology which proves that there are safe and profitable options available that don’t put lives at risk. We call on the EPA to move forward with a transition plan that puts people over profits.”
If you have been affected by exposure to asbestos, you know that banning the substance is only the first step to eradicating malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. For more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
