Asbestos Becomes Completely Banned in the USA

13 May 2024

While Europe fully banned the use of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in 2005, that was not the case worldwide. However, in a historic move, the EPA has finally banned the last form of asbestos - something that has been described as a 'Major Milestone for Chemical Safety'. 

As recently as last week, chrysotile asbestos was still being used in the manufacturing of automotive parts like gaskets and brakes. In this form, exposure can also lead to serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma and laryngeal and ovarian cancer. 

A Delayed Ban On the Substance 

Despite having already been illegal in Ireland and the rest of the EU for many years, the total ban on the use of asbestos has been delayed until now. It's the first rule to be finalized under the USA's 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act. 

In its own words, the Environmental Protection Agency view these changes as long overdue, stating that the announcement ends "three decades of inadequate protections" and that "serious delays during the previous administration" were the reason for the failure to implement the changes before today.

While the delay in implementing these rules has undoubtedly put more people at risk of asbestos exposure, it is on the road to being over. However, it falls short of being completely over, as the Biden administration has given companies a phase-out period of up to 12 years to continue using chrysotile asbestos in certain manufacturing processes. 

Continuing to Protect People Against Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a material that continues to threaten lives across the world, regardless of which countries deem its use to be banned. As such, it's still present in many buildings constructed before any construction bans came into force. The good news is that the OHSS team is here to help protect businesses across Ireland. 

If you would like to know more about the ways in which we do so, visit us today at www.ohss.ie, where you’ll also see that we have years of experience in occupational hygiene. Alternatively, to speak to our team about asbestos or anything else, call us today on 01 6905907.

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