Hoping to prevent future cases of malignant mesothelioma, a bipartisan group of senators and representatives has introduced comprehensive legislation to ban all forms of asbestos in America. The move represents a significant step toward protecting families from a substance that causes more than 40,000 deaths annually.
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act Would Combat Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma prevention advocates have expressed renewed hope as Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Don Bacon of Nebraska, introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. Unlike previous efforts, this legislation targets all six recognized types of asbestos fibers rather than specific varieties.
“We know asbestos is a killer, and Americans deserve to have a future free of exposure to this deadly carcinogen,” said Senator Merkley. The bill would prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of asbestos in commercial settings nationwide and represents a significant shift and expansion compared to current regulations. While the EPA took steps under the Biden administration to ban chrysotile asbestos in commercial settings, this new legislation would close all the loopholes that are still allowing other forms of the toxic mineral to be used by American companies.
United States Lags Behind Global Standards in Mesothelioma Prevention
Despite the best efforts of advocates, the United States remains one of the few developed countries that still allows some asbestos to be used. Worldwide, more than 50 countries, including Australia and most of Europe, have already put complete asbestos bans in place.
Experts consistently say that asbestos exposure leads to mesothelioma and other deadly illnesses, and that no level of exposure is considered safe. Representative Bacon asserted that complete emphasized that complete elimination of the substance’s use in the United States is the only viable public health solution, and stressed the urgency of the situation, saying “We know, without a doubt, that asbestos is a dangerous, deadly substance. There is no reason we should be importing asbestos when we know there is a direct connection to mesothelioma and other cancers.”
Ban has Strong Support from Advocates Fighting Mesothelioma
The head of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, Linda Reinstein, lost her husband Alan to mesothelioma years ago. She has lobbied tirelessly for comprehensive asbestos legislation, and the bill’s name honors his memory. In hoping for passage of this bill, she is joined by other mesothelioma advocacy groups, including the American Public Health Association, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Environmental Working Group.
If you or someone you love has been affected by asbestos exposure, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
