Did you hear the latest news? As of March 18, 2024, all asbestos use has been banned in the United States. Wait a minute? I thought asbestos was banned a long time ago? Maybe I can explain some of what has happened over the last 50+ years. |
The journey towards banning asbestos in the United States is a complex narrative shaped by scientific discoveries, legal battles, and advocacy efforts. Asbestos was once celebrated for its versatility and widespread use in various industries, until it emerged as a public health hazard due to its carcinogenic properties. The detrimental health effects of asbestos exposure were recognized as early as the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century, epidemiological studies began linking asbestos exposure to lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. In 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set permissible exposure limits for asbestos in the workplace, aiming to protect workers from its harmful effects. The Clean Air Act of 1970 empowered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air pollutants, including asbestos. In the 1970s and 1980s, numerous attempts were made to enact a comprehensive ban on asbestos in the United States. The EPA proposed a ban on asbestos in 1989 under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). However, the ban was overturned in 1991 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite the failure to implement a complete ban, several regulations were enacted to restrict asbestos use. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986 aimed to protect students and staff in schools by regulating asbestos-containing materials. In 1990 the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA) extended these protections from the AHERA act to public and commercial buildings. The Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule of 1989, although overturned, led to voluntary phase-outs of asbestos in certain products. As of the latest update, asbestos IS completely banned as of March 18, 2024, with the passing of the first ban under the EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act. With the passing of this ban, all asbestos containing materials are to be completely unused between six months to five years, depending on the application. Have questions about asbestos, Abatement Services is happy to help. |