EPA bans last form of asbestos used in United States
CNNMar 18
EPA Bans Chrysotile Asbestos in US
The Facts
The Biden administration on Monday finalized a ban on the last type of asbestos still used in the US — chrysotile asbestos — which has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers, and has been linked to more than 40K deaths in the US every year.
Chrysotile, which is also known as white asbestos, is commonly found in roofing materials, textiles, cement, and some auto parts.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
After decades of failed attempts to ban asbestos, the Biden administration has come through with a historic rule that will protect people from a substance that causes severe health issues. Working people can feel safe on the job with this commonsense health and safety policy. And businesses have some leeway before it has to comply with this ban. This rule's a winner all around.
Establishment-critical narrative
For years, the US has stood alone as the country doing the wrong thing related to asbestos and this rule is just a slight improvement because there are still several other types of asbestos that aren't banned. Companies might shift to those types to get around the ban, leaving workers at great risk. It's been a long haul to get this rule on the books, but the fight is far from over.