Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Under the Obama Administration, The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was updated to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) more authority to ban asbestos completely in the United States. The carcinogen was originally banned in 1989, but by 1991 the ruling was over-turned. Anti-asbestos advocates have been fighting ever since to ban all uses of…
In June 2016, former President Obama signed the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act as an amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and since then, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been moving forward in naming asbestos – as well as nine other chemicals – as toxic substances that…
Despite the known dangers of asbestos exposure, asbestos is still legal in the United States. However, it is heavily regulated within different organizations in the government. Different agencies have their own laws and regulations for asbestos control to maintain exposure levels in the workplace, home, and environment. OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)…
Cancer is the second most leading cause of death in the United States affecting over 500,000 people. However, is estimated that 1/3 of all cancers could be prevented through daily activities such as eating healthy, exercising, or simply applying sunscreen on a sunny day. Cancers caused by asbestos exposure are life-threatening, but perhaps the most…
The dangers of asbestos have affected thousands of residents in the small town of Libby, Montana for decades. In 1919, the town that was once known for its logging industry discovered vermiculite mines – a naturally occurring mineral that is useful for fire-proofing, wall and loft insulation, and even soil conditioning. W.R. Grace bought the…
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2016 S.3427 was introduced to the Senate on September 28, 2016. Supported by Senator Barbara Boxer, this bill was read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Its purpose is to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to potentially have asbestos banned in…
There are six different types of asbestos that occur naturally throughout the world. Asbestos is actually the generic name given and is not a mineralogical definition. A mineral product that is flexible, possesses high tensile strength, is heat resistant, resistant to chemical degradation, and can be woven into fabric is commercially designated as “asbestos.” Asbestos…
There have been some exciting new developments with regards to the country’s Chemical Safety Regulations. Asbestos, the known carcinogen once used as a flame retardant and in insulation could possibly be banned in the United States, under new laws and regulations from Congress. While The Chemical Safety regulations that have been implemented in this country…
Asbestos exposure is commonly associated with occupation, specifically in mills and plants, but many miss the risks found in everyday products. Even though the Environmental Protection Agency began regulating the use of asbestos products more than thirty years ago, most of these items still linger in the present. Aside from construction products, including asbestos roofing…
Because the Environmental Protection Agency began limiting the use of asbestos in the 1970s, many believe it is a disease of generations past. Unfortunately, it’s common use and the lack of a worldwide ban means it still poses significant risks. In fact, many predict resurgence. In 1990, a convention met to examine the threat of…
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