Mesothelioma advocates are saying that the long-awaited final risk evaluation of asbestos released by the EPA does not go far enough in protecting the American public. The first part of the report was released in late December and published last week, and though it concludes that the mineral poses an unreasonable health risk to workers under certain conditions, it leaves some of the most dangerous forms of the carcinogenic material out of its analysis.
Material That Causes Mesothelioma Among First Evaluated for Health Risks
Healthcare workers and victims of mesothelioma alike had high hopes that the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act would lead to asbestos being banned. The carcinogenic material was among the first ten chemicals identified for review and possible regulatory action. But the Trump administration approached its evaluation of asbestos in a way that left many forms of the material out of the mix, as well as many uses.
Even so, the report did indicate that asbestos causes an unacceptable risk of mesothelioma and other diseases to those using and processing it in the chlor-alkali industry, in chemical production of asbestos-containing sheet gaskets, in use and disposal of asbestos-containing brake blocks in the oil industry and in the commercial use and disposal of aftermarket asbestos-containing brakes and lining and other parts in cars. The next step is the release of the second part of the risk evaluation and proposals of regulatory actions.
Second Part of Report to Focus on Legacy Uses of Asbestos That Might Lead to Mesothelioma
Of particular concern to health advocates is the risk of mesothelioma from asbestos in place in older buildings and other legacy uses, and that is what Part 2 of the risk evaluation will address. But the absence of asbestos fibers beyond the chrysotile form is being questioned and criticized by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and others.
While physicians and researchers work to find effective treatments for mesothelioma, others are focused on preventing others from getting the disease in the future. For information about resources for those exposed to asbestos, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
