EPA Bans Asbestos in U.S. After Decades of Political Struggles

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a complete ban on asbestos, making the U.S. one of the last Western countries to outlaw the carcinogenic chemical. The ban, announced by the EPA in collaboration with the Biden administration, targets chrysotile asbestos, giving companies 12 years to phase out its use in building materials. Asbestos, widely used until the 1980s for its fire-resistant and strong properties, has been linked to serious health risks, causing an estimated 40,000 American deaths annually. Despite opposition from the International Chrysotile Association, the ban is seen as a positive first step towards a future free of asbestos exposure. The ban was made possible under the 2016 Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, marking the first successful ruling under this amendment after previous unsuccessful attempts by the EPA to ban asbestos.