Although the United States has made efforts to ban asbestos use in certain products and industries, the use of asbestos for certain industries continues to this day. In fact, to say that the use of asbestos "continues" is something of an understatement. There is a high demand for asbestos-containing materials, proven by the fact that the United States imported more than 700 metric tons of raw asbestos in 2016.
Asbestos import numbers had been in decline for a number of years, until the amount nearly doubled in 2016, according to Department of Commerce data. The surge in asbestos use was no accident, as the import numbers were almost certainly a response to the passing of a revamped Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
U.S. Lawmakers Gave the EPA Substantial Freedom to Investigate Asbestos and Asbestos-Driven Industries in 2016
In 2016, the TSCA was amended, effectively allowing the EPA authority to issue far-reaching and comprehensive bans on asbestos if it chose to do so. After this authority was given, the asbestos importation figures rose dramatically.
This seemingly suggests that asbestos use is still quite prevalent, despite the assertions of a decline in asbestos use from asbestos-driven industries like the chloralkali industry. In fact, the chloralkali industry is the driving force of asbestos use in the United States today.
For reference, the chloralkali industry refers to the companies involved in the chemical use of chlorine and sodium hydroxide, two common chemicals that are used for a wide range of industrial purposes. These industries were allowed to continue using asbestos in their products, and do so at high rates to this day.
The chloralkali industry advocates often argue that asbestos is used safely by the industry. This is not true, according to medical and scientific consensus. Evidence continues to show that every form of asbestos is unsafe and can cause cancer. Further, it has also been established that there are no safe levels of asbestos usage.
Despite the consensus that all forms of asbestos are harmful, the EPA chose to not completely ban asbestos. Indeed, as recently as June of 2018, the EPA has issued new rule proposals that explicitly allow new uses of asbestos, rather than banning asbestos completely. This, naturally, disappointed public health and asbestos advocacy groups, which doubtlessly serves as a win of sorts for the chemical and chloralkali industries.
Talk to a Ledger Law Mesothelioma Lawyer About the Facts of Your Case
In summary, asbestos continues to cause thousands of new mesothelioma diagnoses every year. The threat of this mineral and known carcinogen remains, which is why you need to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to protect your rights after a wrongful exposure causes your disease.
Our nationally recognized law firm will fight for your legal right to the compensation that is owed to you. Contact us online today to discuss the facts of your mesothelioma claim.
