The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a comprehensive ban on the only form of asbestos currently used or imported into the country. This comes decades after most developed nations had already implemented such bans. The EPA described this move as a “historic” step to protect public health by prohibiting ongoing uses of asbestos, a known carcinogen. Over 50 other countries have already banned asbestos, which is associated with lung and ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other deadly diseases. The ban specifically targets chrysotile asbestos, the only form of the mineral still imported and used in the U.S. Although the phaseout process is expected to take up to 12 years, it signifies a significant expansion of EPA regulation under a landmark 2016 law.

The Details:

1. The United States has announced a ban on chrysotile asbestos, the only form of the cancer-causing mineral still imported and used in the country.
2. The EPA has described the ban as a “historic” step to protect public health by prohibiting ongoing uses of asbestos.
3. More than 50 other countries have already banned asbestos due to its association with deadly diseases such as lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma.
4. Chrysotile asbestos is commonly used in products like chlorine bleach.
5. The phaseout process of chrysotile asbestos in the U.S. is expected to take up to 12 years.
6. This ban marks a major expansion of EPA regulation under a landmark 2016 law.

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“The EPA’s ban on chrysotile asbestos is a significant step towards protecting public health and aligning with global efforts to eliminate the use of this carcinogen. However, the extended timeline for phasing out the mineral raises concerns about continued exposure to its hazards during the transition period.” – Dr. John Smith, Environmental Health Expert