EPA prohibits ‘white asbestos’ due to its association with cancer and mortality risks

A Major‍ Win for Public Health: EPA Enacts Total Ban on Chrysotile Asbestos

In what is being ​hailed as a significant victory for public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a decisive step on Monday by implementing a nationwide ban on all uses of chrysotile asbestos. This move fulfills a longstanding promise to eliminate this dangerous substance from industrial and manufacturing ⁤ applications.

For too long, ⁣chrysotile asbestos, commonly known as “white asbestos,” remained in⁣ use despite most other forms of asbestos being prohibited years ago. ⁢Its properties, such as heat resistance, fire retardancy, and ‌electrical insulation, made it a preferred material in some construction and industry practices.

The Controversy Over⁣ Continued⁣ Use

Chrysotile asbestos plays a role in the nation’s chlorine manufacturing, a sector crucial for providing clean drinking water. Its ban raised concerns among industry groups and the Chamber of Commerce about potential water shortages.

However,​ officials have emphasized that the substance’s risks, which⁣ contribute to serious health issues and fatalities, clearly overshadow any advantages it might present.

The Human Cost of Asbestos

Chrysotile asbestos is associated with close to 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually, causing ailments like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and ovarian‍ cancer, as noted by EPA officials.

Legislation and the Push for a Safer Tomorrow

The EPA’s ruling marks its first definitive regulation under the reformed Toxic Substances Control Act – a bipartisan endeavor enacted in 2016, aiming to safeguard citizens from the dangers of toxic chemicals.

The recent ban aligns with the Biden administration’s ambitions to⁢ advance the President’s Cancer ​Moonshot initiative. This ⁤initiative seeks to dramatically transform cancer treatment and care, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the disease.

EPA Administrator’s Vision

EPA Administrator Michael Regan articulated the broader mission, stating that​ they aim to “transform the way the EPA is using the new chemical safety law to do what it was meant to⁤ do:⁣ to protect people from toxic chemicals.”

• Ban ⁢on chrysotile asbestos closes ‍a ⁤critical loophole
• Effort is part of a comprehensive strategy to combat public⁤ health risks
• Supports⁤ the Biden administration’s powerful Cancer Moonshot initiative

With this pivotal action, the landscape of public health and safety takes a notable ⁤leap forward, reinforcing the commitment to a world where occupational and environmental hazards are no longer a threat to our well-being.

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