In April, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would restrict, but not ban, certain uses of asbestos, a known carcinogen. The decision, according to The New York Times, contradicts the advice of the EPA’s own scientists and lawyers, who say the material should be banned outright. Cancer from asbestos exposure can be fatal.

Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Ruling

The EPA’s decision allows manufacturers to continue using asbestos for existing projects, as well as to adopt new uses for the material with agency approval. Despite EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s claim that the restrictions will significantly strengthen public health protections, dozens of the agency’s experts are lobbying for an outright ban against asbestos, according to the Times.

Most industrialized nations have already banned the material, including Australia, Iceland, Japan, Spain, Ireland, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and several others.

Although asbestos production in the United States ceased in 2002, the material is still imported into the country. Due to the fibrous mineral’s strength and heat resistance, it’s used in a variety of products, including the manufacturing process for bulletproof vests, electrical insulation, and bleach. The known carcinogen is also used in roof shingles, housing insulation, and numerous other construction materials. Because of its myriad uses, the World Health Organization has estimated that 125 million people are exposed to asbestos every year.

About Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that in 2015 caused some 2,600 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. While asbestos products are fairly safe when they are in good condition, when products degrade they may break, or crumble, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. These microscopic fibers are extremely dangerous when inhaled.

The tiny fibers may settle in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, causing irritation and scar tissue build up. Over time, this scar tissue may result in lung cancer from asbestos exposure. People who work in certain fields may be more likely to develop asbestos-related cancers, including mesothelioma. Auto mechanics, construction workers, insulation workers, roofers, tilers, and military members may all be exposed to asbestos while on the job. Family members of exposed workers may also be at risk from second-hand asbestos exposure.

Since cancer from asbestos may take decades to develop, many victims may not be aware of the full side effects from their exposure until years later. Hiring an asbestos cancer attorney may make it more likely for victims to be able to prove that their cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos.

Some victims have been awarded millions in compensation for their injuries and suffering. Victims who were exposed to asbestos in their line of work may be able to file a lawsuit against their employer if they are able to prove that the employer was negligent in informing employees of the risk of asbestos exposure, or did not provide them with proper safety equipment.