Posted 3/18/2024, 4:31:00 PM
Biden Administration Announces Asbestos Ban to Prevent Cancer, But Raises Health Concerns Over Lengthy Phase-Out
- The Biden administration issued a rule banning or phasing out ongoing uses of asbestos, which causes lung cancer.
- The rule sets deadlines for industries like water treatment, vehicle brakes, and oil drilling to transition away from asbestos.
- The ban applies to chrysotile asbestos, the only type used in the U.S. currently, though 5 other types exist.
- Exposing to asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer, and the lung disease asbestosis.
- Health advocates welcomed the ban but raised concerns about the lengthy transition periods and allowing asbestos exposure to continue for years.