The U.S. has introduced substantial asbestos regulationsince the 1970s, when the use of the substance was most widespread.

A number of elements have been introduced to federal asbestos regulation over the years. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), for instance, bans the use of several asbestos-containing products, including corrugated paper, rollboard, commercial paper, specialty paper, and flooring felt. These are all materials that had historically been made with asbestos—thus, the asbestos regulation update was meant to reverse a common practice.

These were not, however, the only asbestos-containing materials banned. Any new uses of asbestos, such as in products that had not historically contained the substance, are also banned under the TSCA asbestos regulation.

The Clean Air Act (CAA) also bans certain uses of asbestos materials, such as the use of asbestos pipe or block insulation on boilers or hot water tanks and spray-applied surfacing materials. And the Consumer Product Safety Act bans the use of asbestos in artificial fireplaces and wall patching material.

Certain asbestos-containing materials have not been banned under federal asbestos regulation, including cement corrugated or flat sheet, clothing, pipeline wrap, millboard, gaskets, roof coatings, and many more.

More information about asbestos regulation can be found at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a dangerous form of cancer that affects thousands of Americans each year. It attacks the lining of the lungs, a thin layer of tissue known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma cancer generally take a long period of time to develop—there is usually a delay of several decades between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer diagnosis.

The vast majority of mesothelioma cases can be linked to exposure to asbestos. Not of all these cases involve direct exposure to the substance. There are also people who may be exposed to asbestos fibers secondhand over long periods of time, allowing fibers to build up.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for manufacturing purposes such as electrical or building insulation, as well as countless other uses. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, or a substance capable of causing cancer. While many regulations are in place, there are still some asbestos-containing construction materials, meaning that construction workers generally face the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

The microscopic fibers of asbestos can accumulate in the lungs, but then quickly spread to distant organs. Asbestos exposure can cause several critical health problems, the worst of which is asbestos mesothelioma cancer.

Since the 1970s, the U.S. has been periodically increasing it asbestos regulation measures to protect Americans from the side effects of asbestos. However, certain individuals—especially construction workers—are still at risk of asbestos exposure and its consequences.

Filing an Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and believe you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers, such as at your job, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of cancer like mesothelioma, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical bills and lost wages.