On March 18th, 2024, advocates for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement of a final rule banning the use and import of chrysotile asbestos. But even in the face of that victory, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and others noted that there was still much work to be done. On April 16th, the agency took another step in the right direction, releasing a draft of the second part of its risk evaluation that focuses on the dangers posed by legacy asbestos.
Legacy Asbestos Presents Significant Risk of Malignant Mesothelioma
Part Two of the EPA’s risk evaluation for asbestos will take a closer look at what has long been known to be a significant mesothelioma risk: Exposure to asbestos that is found in insulation, roofing, and other construction materials that make up much of our existing infrastructure and home construction. Many are hoping that this will lead the United States closer to a complete ban on asbestos.
The EPA’s preliminary assessment makes clear that the agency is aware of the risks posed by exposure to legacy asbestos, which they say “poses unreasonable risk to human health.” According to Linda Reinstein, president of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), her nonprofit organization is encouraged by the EPA’s move and recent conclusion. According to a statement issued by Reinstein, “Legacy asbestos exposure poses a serious danger to public health and can be responsible for numerous asbestos-caused diseases including, cancers, mesothelioma, and lung disease.”
Part Two of Risk Evaluation to be Completed by December 1, 2024
As part of a 2021 settlement between the EPA and the ADAO, the agency has agreed to complete Part Two of its asbestos risk evaluation no later than December 1, 2024. This part of the review will focus on talc and asbestos from Libby, Montana, as well as five types of asbestos not addressed in Part One. The main question is about the dangers of asbestos that is not being used in current or prospective manufacturing, processing, or distribution, but instead poses a risk following being disturbed through renovations or disposal.
The ADAO’s experts will review the draft and respond to it during a 60-day public comment period that follows. While the chemical industry has already resumed its long-standing opposition to any further restrictions on asbestos, groups representing those most affected by mesothelioma are praising the move and expressing optimism for future action to reduce risk. Says Reinstein, “We have done far too little to understand how and where Americans are being exposed to legacy asbestos that lurks in our homes, schools, workplaces, and in consumer products.”
If you or someone you love has been sickened as a result of asbestos exposure, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
