EPA Signals To Put a Complete Ban On Asbestos Use

EPA Signals To Put a Complete Ban On Asbestos Use

Introduction

On Wednesday, April 17, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced to put a complete ban on the use of asbestos in product categories in the automobile industry and building materials.  

The rule will resolve loopholes in the decades-old partial ban on asbestos use, and the agency will review the limited instances where asbestos is still used for industrial purposes. The agency indicated that the intention behind the rule was to inspect any proposal to reintroduce asbestos into those products where it has already been removed. The new rule covers high-grade electrical paper, missile liner, pipeline wrap, and other materials. It will be taken into account in two months after its publication. Additionally, the EPA will also do a risk evaluation of the limited uses of asbestos that are still ongoing. The agency will impose a ban if required, after a thorough evaluation. The EPA rule is not an absolute ban. According to the rule, certain asbestos uses can continue and does not include a ban on importing raw asbestos.

Asbestos is still in use in some industries such as filtering chemicals and found in some vehicle brakes. However, the widespread use of the carcinogenic material in building products, including insulation was discontinued years ago. Asbestos exposure has been reported to cause mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer affecting the stomach, heart, and lungs.