Latest news with #ToxicSubstancesControlAct
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Trump Considering Asbestos Ban Reversal Sparks Warning: 'Lives at Risk'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration will "reconsider" a ban on the use of asbestos in the U.S. that took a decades-long battle to be finalized, sparking concern among health advocates. "This is another attempt by industry, going back to when they blocked the first EPA asbestos ban in 1989, to allow for continued use of a deadly material responsible for some 40,000 U.S. deaths and some 250,000 worldwide deaths each year," Dr. Arthur L. Frank, a professor of public health and medicine at Drexel University, told Newsweek. "We know in some settings as little as one day of exposure can give some individuals cancer," he added. Newsweek has contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via email for comment. File photo: Workers begin the abatement and demolition of a property contaminated with asbestos in Michigan. File photo: Workers begin the abatement and demolition of a property contaminated with asbestos in Michigan. Conor Ralph/The Flint Journal- via AP Why It Matters Asbestos was used by building and construction industries for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing and sound absorption. Since 2000, more research uncovered the health risks associated with the mineral, and it has been classified by various U.S. departments as a known human carcinogen. Exposure to asbestos is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the EPA under the Biden administration. Chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos, is banned in 50 countries because of its association with lung cancer, and in 2024, the Biden administration finalized its own ban, meaning the last type of asbestos used in or imported into the country would be prohibited. What To Know According to court documents filed with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the EPA said that the process of re-evaluating the ban would take about 30 months, delaying the implementation of the ban finalized by the Biden administration. The move was opposed by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, the court filings said. "Reconsidering the EPA's 2024 Chrysotile Asbestos Rule is deeply concerning," Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, told Newsweek. Reinstein lost her husband, Alan, to a type of lung cancer, mesothelioma, caused by asbestos. "While this rule was a landmark step under the Toxic Substances Control Act, it only banned one fiber—chrysotile—in six specific conditions of use," Reinstein added. "Now, due to litigation and political pressure, the EPA has signaled it may reverse core parts of the rule, including protections for chlorine and caustic soda manufacturing." The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, within the EPA, will be investigating whether the Toxic Substances Control Act "went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measures—such as requiring permanent workplace protection measures—would eliminate the unreasonable risk." The Toxic Substances Control Act includes the Biden administration's plan to ban asbestos from use in the U.S. When the Biden administration announced its finalization of the ban in the summer of 2024, the EPA administrator at the time, Michael Regan said: "The science is clear—asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health." However, Trump, in his 1997 book The Art of the Comeback, said that asbestos is "100 percent safe, once applied." "I believe that the movement against asbestos was led by the mob, because it was often mob-related companies that would do the asbestos removal," he added. In 2018, Uralasbest, one of the world's largest producers and sellers of asbestos, put Trump's face, along with the words "Approved by Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States," on some of its products, according to the Guardian. What People Are Saying Dr. Arthur L. Frank, a professor of public health and medicine at Drexel University, told Newsweek: "Although this partial ban went through proper procedures, to now come and claim, as their document states, 'no party would be prejudiced by the requested abeyance,' fails to recognize that putting off this ban will lead to unnecessary disease and death for some Americans going forward. The U.S. has not yet joined some 70 countries in the world, including all developed countries, in banning—and in all other cases totally banning—the use of all forms of asbestos. "While there is currently little import of much raw asbestos fiber, products containing asbestos such as friction products and roofing materials can still be bought and used. The U.S. should have a comprehensive and total ban on import and use and should see that proper disposal takes place for tons still in place. Because of the long latency to develop disease, even with such a ban, new cases of asbestos disease will still be seen 50 years from now." Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, told Newsweek: "This rollback is happening in the context of broader deregulatory actions by the Trump administration. Executive Orders 14303 and 13771, combined with EPA staffing cuts, will severely limit the agency's ability to evaluate and manage chemical risks. These changes threaten to dismantle science-based safeguards and delay action on a known carcinogen that kills 40,000 Americans annually. "There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Only federal legislation can ensure a comprehensive and lasting ban. That's why the bipartisan 2025 Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act is essential. It would ban all forms of asbestos, close dangerous loopholes and prevent further rollbacks." Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, on Monday: "The Trump Administration's 'Polluters over People' agenda is once again threatening our health, this time undermining the chance for all Americans to have a future free of asbestos exposure. We know that asbestos is a killer, which is why it has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world. "The United States was starting to catch up, but the Trump EPA is delaying and rolling back this vital public health safeguard, undermining this progress. I will continue to explore all options—including legislation—to phase out all dangerous asbestos fibers and provide stronger protections for our health." What Happens Next While the EPA said, according to the court filings, it would need 30 months to review the legislation, it has requested that the court extend the suspension of the law for six months, subject to additional extension requests.
4 days ago
- Automotive
EPA will revisit Biden-era ban on the last type of asbestos used in US
WASHINGTON -- WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court it will reconsider the Biden administration's ban on the last type of asbestos used in the United States to determine whether it went 'beyond what is necessary." Asbestos is linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually and causes mesothelioma as well as other cancers. It has been largely phased out in the United States. Last year, the Biden administration sought to finish the decades-long fight by banning chrysotile asbestos. At the time, the EPA called it a milestone in the fight against cancer. The EPA on Monday said in a court filing that it would reconsider the Biden administration's rule over roughly the next 30 months. The agency said the Toxic Substances Control Act requires it to evaluate a chemical's risk and the consequences of restricting it. Now, officials will look at whether parts of the ban 'went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measures — such as requiring permanent workplace protection measures — would eliminate the unreasonable risk,' according to a court declaration by Lynn Ann Dekleva, a senior official in EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Chrysotile asbestos is found in products like brake blocks, asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets and was banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was broadened in 2016. When the ban was announced, there were eight U.S. facilities that used asbestos diaphragms in the chlor-alkali sector for the manufacture of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, chemicals commonly used as water disinfectants. The facilities were given at least five years to make the change. The development was first reported by The New York Times. Advocates blasted the move as weakening prohibitions against a deadly carcinogen. 'This latest move by Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA is yet another alarming signal that this administration is operating without limits as they dole out favors to polluter lobbyists without regard for the health and well-being of people living in the US,' said Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, a nonprofit. Zeldin has announced dozens of deregulatory actions in the first months of the Trump administration and former top industry officials are in key EPA positions — Dekleva, for example, used to work at the American Chemistry Council, which was among the groups that filed the court challenge against the Biden administration's ban. Recently, the EPA proposed a rollback of greenhouse gas rules for coal plants. The American Chemistry Council said it supports the agency's move to ensure rules 'use a risk-based approach consistent with the best available science.' ___
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EPA will revisit Biden-era ban on the last type of asbestos used in US
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court it will reconsider the Biden administration's ban on the last type of asbestos used in the United States to determine whether it went 'beyond what is necessary." Asbestos is linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually and causes mesothelioma as well as other cancers. It has been largely phased out in the United States. Last year, the Biden administration sought to finish the decades-long fight by banning chrysotile asbestos. At the time, the EPA called it a milestone in the fight against cancer. The EPA on Monday said in a court filing that it would reconsider the Biden administration's rule over roughly the next 30 months. The agency said the Toxic Substances Control Act requires it to evaluate a chemical's risk and the consequences of restricting it. Now, officials will look at whether parts of the ban 'went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measures — such as requiring permanent workplace protection measures — would eliminate the unreasonable risk,' according to a court declaration by Lynn Ann Dekleva, a senior official in EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Chrysotile asbestos is found in products like brake blocks, asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets and was banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was broadened in 2016. When the ban was announced, there were eight U.S. facilities that used asbestos diaphragms in the chlor-alkali sector for the manufacture of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, chemicals commonly used as water disinfectants. The facilities were given at least five years to make the change. The development was first reported by The New York Times. Advocates blasted the move as weakening prohibitions against a deadly carcinogen. 'This latest move by Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA is yet another alarming signal that this administration is operating without limits as they dole out favors to polluter lobbyists without regard for the health and well-being of people living in the US,' said Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, a nonprofit. Zeldin has announced dozens of deregulatory actions in the first months of the Trump administration and former top industry officials are in key EPA positions — Dekleva, for example, used to work at the American Chemistry Council, which was among the groups that filed the court challenge against the Biden administration's ban. Recently, the EPA proposed a rollback of greenhouse gas rules for coal plants. The American Chemistry Council said it supports the agency's move to ensure rules 'use a risk-based approach consistent with the best available science.' The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Tuesday. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP's environmental coverage, visit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EPA will revisit Biden-era ban on the last type of asbestos used in US
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court it will reconsider the Biden administration's ban on the last type of asbestos used in the United States to determine whether it went 'beyond what is necessary." Asbestos is linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually and causes mesothelioma as well as other cancers. It has been largely phased out in the United States. Last year, the Biden administration sought to finish the decades-long fight by banning chrysotile asbestos. At the time, the EPA called it a milestone in the fight against cancer. The EPA on Monday said in a court filing that it would reconsider the Biden administration's rule over roughly the next 30 months. The agency said the Toxic Substances Control Act requires it to evaluate a chemical's risk and the consequences of restricting it. Now, officials will look at whether parts of the ban 'went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measures — such as requiring permanent workplace protection measures — would eliminate the unreasonable risk,' according to a court declaration by Lynn Ann Dekleva, a senior official in EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Chrysotile asbestos is found in products like brake blocks, asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets and was banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was broadened in 2016. When the ban was announced, there were eight U.S. facilities that used asbestos diaphragms in the chlor-alkali sector for the manufacture of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, chemicals commonly used as water disinfectants. The facilities were given at least five years to make the change. The development was first reported by The New York Times. Advocates blasted the move as weakening prohibitions against a deadly carcinogen. 'This latest move by Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA is yet another alarming signal that this administration is operating without limits as they dole out favors to polluter lobbyists without regard for the health and well-being of people living in the US,' said Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, a nonprofit. Zeldin has announced dozens of deregulatory actions in the first months of the Trump administration and former top industry officials are in key EPA positions — Dekleva, for example, used to work at the American Chemistry Council, which was among the groups that filed the court challenge against the Biden administration's ban. Recently, the EPA proposed a rollback of greenhouse gas rules for coal plants. The American Chemistry Council said it supports the agency's move to ensure rules 'use a risk-based approach consistent with the best available science.' The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Tuesday. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP's environmental coverage, visit Michael Phillis, The Associated Press
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
EPA will revisit Biden-era ban on the last type of asbestos used in US
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency told a federal appeals court it will reconsider the Biden administration's ban on the last type of asbestos used in the United States to determine whether it went 'beyond what is necessary.' Asbestos is linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually and causes mesothelioma as well as other cancers. It has been largely phased out in the United States. Last year, the Biden administration sought to finish the decades-long fight by banning chrysotile asbestos. At the time, the EPA called it a milestone in the fight against cancer. The EPA on Monday said in a court filing that it would reconsider the Biden administration's rule over roughly the next 30 months. The agency said the Toxic Substances Control Act requires it to evaluate a chemical's risk and the consequences of restricting it. Now, officials will look at whether parts of the ban 'went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measures — such as requiring permanent workplace protection measures — would eliminate the unreasonable risk,' according to a court declaration by Lynn Ann Dekleva, a senior official in EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Chrysotile asbestos is found in products like brake blocks, asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets and was banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was broadened in 2016 . When the ban was announced, there were eight U.S. facilities that used asbestos diaphragms in the chlor-alkali sector for the manufacture of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, chemicals commonly used as water disinfectants. The facilities were given at least five years to make the change. The development was first reported by The New York Times. Advocates blasted the move as weakening prohibitions against a deadly carcinogen. 'This latest move by Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA is yet another alarming signal that this administration is operating without limits as they dole out favors to polluter lobbyists without regard for the health and well-being of people living in the US,' said Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, a nonprofit. Zeldin has announced dozens of deregulatory actions in the first months of the Trump administration and former top industry officials are in key EPA positions — Dekleva, for example, used to work at the American Chemistry Council, which was among the groups that filed the court challenge against the Biden administration's ban. Recently, the EPA proposed a rollback of greenhouse gas rules for coal plants. The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Tuesday. ___ The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP's environmental coverage, visit
