EPA Will Disclose Data on Products Containing Asbestos:
We’ve all heard about the dangers of asbestos, and it’s well-accepted science that asbestos exposure can cause cancer, including mesothelioma, a deadly cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs and abdomen. But did you know that manufacturers still use asbestos in many products today?
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that is heat resistant. As a result, manufacturers often incorporated asbestos into building materials and even clothing. We now know that asbestos is a carcinogen, and even short-term exposure can be dangerous. While many countries now ban asbestos, U.S. manufacturers still use asbestos in things like flame-retardant clothing, brake linings, and even some construction materials.
Reporting Products Containing Asbestos
Under current law, companies that import or manufacture products containing asbestos, including products that may have asbestos as an “unintentional contaminant,” aren’t required to provide the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with information about asbestos-containing products.
The Lawsuit Against the EPA
A modification to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 2016 required the EPA to create a new process for regulating the uses of asbestos. In January 2019, a coalition of 11 state attorneys general petitioned the EPA to issue new regulations to provide data on the use and importation of asbestos in the U.S. under the TSCA. The EPA denied the petition, and the multi-state coalition brought suit in federal court. In December 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled in favor of the coalition, requiring the EPA to impose reporting requirements on the chemical industry.
The Settlement
Now, the EPA has agreed to a settlement that will compel the EPA to issue new regulations mandating reporting on asbestos use. Once approved by the court, this will mark the first time a petition of this kind under the Toxic Substances Control Act. Hopefully, the new EPA regulations will lead to more transparent data on substances containing asbestos marketed to U.S. consumers.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm
If you or someone you love faces cancer from asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us through our online form to set up a consultation. Your initial consultation is free, and you never pay a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
