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US Environmental Protection Agency He said Monday. It is taking “historic” action by banning the use of asbestos, which has been linked to several types of cancer.
The agency's final rule notice applies to chrysotile asbestos, the only type of asbestos currently used or imported into the United States. he is. Very common A type of asbestos used around the world, it is used in auto parts such as aftermarket automotive brakes and linings and other vehicle friction products and gaskets. It is banned in 50 other countries.
Asbestos is a thin, fibrous, naturally occurring material that is flexible and resistant to corrosion, electricity and heat. It is cheap, which has led manufacturers and builders to use many forms in cigarette filters, hair dryers, and home insulation. Producers called back. of Scientists stopped using asbestos once they discovered that the fibers could easily break down into tiny particles that could be inhaled into the lungs and cause injury.
While asbestos use in the U.S. has been declining for decades, asbestos exposure is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S., according to the EPA.
People Exposed Asbestos can cause lung cancer. mesotheliomaStudies have shown that cervical cancer and throat cancer.
The EPA celebrated the change Monday, which it called a “major milestone” for chemical safety after more than three decades of inadequate protections and severe delays under the previous administration.
“The science is clear—asbestos is a known carcinogen with serious public health effects. President Biden understands that it has affected generations and countless lives. That's why the EPA is so proud to finally end the long-sought ban on asbestos use,” the EPA said. Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement.
EPA has set different timelines for different industries to transition from asbestos.
For the auto industry, brakes, covers, other vehicle collision products and gaskets, the ban will take effect 60 days after it appears in the Federal Register and six months after the final rule is issued.
The chlor-alkali industry, the main source of chlorine worldwide, uses asbestos diaphragms to produce sodium hydroxide and chlorine, according to the EPA. “crucial” To purify drinking water and waste water. The agency said there are other ways to produce chlorine, but the eight asbestos diaphragm plants in the US that still use them have to find other ways to do their work. You get at least five more years to make this transition.
In a statement on the chlorine panel, the American Chemistry Council, a trade association that represents companies that use asbestos products. He submitted to the EPA that a 15-year transition period is needed to “support an orderly transition and avoid significant disruptions to chlorine and sodium hydroxide supplies.” The council said it had not seen the final legislation.
The EPA said it wants stricter workplace safety measures to protect workers Health in the event of a layoff of more than two years.
The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor federation, includes unions; They praised the EPA's ban as providing “wonderful protection” to workers.
“This action demonstrates the Biden administration's deep commitment to keeping workers safe and healthy on the job,” the federation said in a statement. He added that although this is an important step, Monday's action will not eliminate all types of asbestos fibers and will not address “old” asbestos from the country's old buildings and infrastructure.
“We urge the EPA to act quickly to address those risks as well,” the AFL-CIO said.
The EPA announced Monday that it is reviewing legacy uses of asbestos and asbestos-containing talc. Very soft A mineral often mined along with asbestos.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, said Monday's ban is a “long overdue step for public health.”
“However, listing other dangerous asbestos fibers may not be the end of the road, and Congress has a role to play here in providing stronger protections for our health,” Merkley said.