U.S. administration imposes asbestos ban

The United States administration is embarking on a procedure to phase out the use of asbestos, which causes cancer. This is stated in a written statement by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The authorities have set deadlines for industrial companies, during which they are ordered to abandon asbestos, which is used in cement, roof construction, water disinfection, car brakes and oil and gas. The industries involved will have to phase out the substance within a “reasonable transition period” as required by law, the agency notes. The ban applies to chrysotile asbestos, the only variety of the mineral used in the U.S.

“The scientific evidence is unequivocal – asbestos is a known carcinogen that has serious public health impacts. President Biden recognizes that this multi-generational problem has impacted the lives of countless people. That’s why EPA is proud to finally approve this long-needed ban on the permanent use of asbestos,” said agency head Michael Regan.

In addition to lung cancer, asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma (a rare cancer that develops in the lungs, chest, abdomen and heart) and the lung disease asbestosis. According to the study, about 40,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related diseases.

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