For decades, mesothelioma advocates have lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action against asbestos. After years of seeing high hopes dashed by disappointment, activists are welcoming a notice published by the agency indicating its recognition that the carcinogenic material represents an “unreasonable” risk and taking note of both its legacy dangers and of its disposal.
EPA Notice is Victory for Mesothelioma Advocates
Exposure to asbestos has long been recognized as the cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis and linked to several other serious illnesses, including ovarian cancer and COPD. Though most Americans assume that its use was banned years ago, the chemical industry has blocked that action for decades. In addition to objecting to its continued use, advocates have noted that legacy asbestos that remains in place in older buildings and infrastructure continues to pose a significant threat.
The EPA notice published in the June 29 Federal Register represented Part 2 of the EPA’s evaluation of asbestos, and specifically addressed the legacy uses and disposal of asbestos that continues to create a risk of mesothelioma. Where Part 1, published last year, restricted its analysis to chrysotile asbestos, the final scope of Part 2 addressed five other types of asbestos fibers that are cause for concern, as well as the dangers posed by talc. These additions are specifically what advocates have been asking for.
EPA’s Part 2 Evaluation Called a “Welcome Step Forward” by Mesothelioma Advocate
Linda Reinstein, president of the nonprofit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, is among the most notable advocates working to ban asbestos, lower the risk of malignant mesothelioma, and find a cure for the rare, asbestos-related disease. In a press release she stated, “EPA has an obligation to protect the public from asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act, and their plan as detailed in the final Part 2 evaluation is a welcome step forward in the fight against asbestos.”
She went on to say, “The agency addressed many of the uses and threats of legacy asbestos that we noted in our comments, which will help advance a comprehensive approach to limit the risk of disease and death from legacy asbestos. Though there is much more to do, we applaud the agency for listening and updating the scope of this evaluation to make it more robust.”
If you or someone you love has been impacted by malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
