It’s no secret that asbestos is an inherently dangerous substance. A previous administration issued a ban through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the substance, but the agency is now reconsidering that ban.
The EPA believes that the rule as it stands might be stricter than what’s needed to eliminate the risk. It’s considering other measures, such as workplace protections, that it notes may be just as effective as a blanket ban on asbestos.
Over the next 30 months, the EPA will review the ban and determine how to proceed. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, companies that still use chrysotile asbestos have five years to phase out the substance.
Why is the ban on asbestos important?
Asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma, which is the cause of death for thousands of individuals each year. The mineral has been largely phased out in this country, but there was recently a complete ban instituted, which was considered a historic step in the fight against the cancers it causes.
Anyone who’s exposed to asbestos should get proper medical attention and follow recommended monitoring schedules. One of the primary challenges that comes with exposure to asbestos is that it can take years, sometimes decades, for the symptoms of mesothelioma to become evident. By the time it’s discovered, the disease is often in the advanced stage and isn’t easily treated.
Treatments for mesothelioma can be costly, which can be prohibitive for some patients. They may opt to pursue compensation for the damages present in these cases. It may be beneficial for them to work with someone familiar with these matters because they can be complex.