The Environmental Protection Agency decided not to ban asbestos in the U.S., even though lung cancer due to asbestos and mesothelioma have been linked to the carcinogen.

The New York Times reported two internal Environmental Protection Agency memos dated Aug. 10, 2018 show the EPA decided to restrict asbestos, but not ban the material.  Asbestos has been banned in 55 countries around the world.

EPA Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety Alexandra Dunn told the House Energy and Commerce Committee that the EPA’s congressionally mandated review of asbestos should be allowed to wrap up before any type of ban on asbestos is even considered.

EPA staff argued with the delay in banning asbestos in one internal memo, writing, “Rather than allow for (even with restrictions) any new uses for asbestos, EPA should seek to ban all new uses of asbestos because the extreme harm from this chemical substance outweighs any benefit – and because there are adequate alternatives to asbestos.”

Asbestos Historically Valuable Material

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made of silicate compounds. The material consists of bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, strong threads that are resistant to heat and fire.

The U.S. has mined and commercially used asbestos since the late 1800s when it was used to insulate locomotives. In World War II, asbestos became popularly used in shipbuilding where it was used to insulate boilers, pipes and electrical systems.

Asbestos also became widely used in construction for insulation, roofing, soundproofing and fireproofing. Everything from paint to adhesives has made use of asbestos.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned asbestos in wall patching materials and gas fireplaces because tiny asbestos fibers were released into the air.

Household bleach, bulletproof vests and electrical insulation still make use of asbestos, which has been imported to the U.S. since 2002.

In 1989, the EPA banned all new uses of asbestos, but anything that needed asbestos as an integral component prior to 1989 is still legal. With the EPA’s new ruling, manufacturers may be able to use asbestos for new applications, once they receive EPA approval.

Risk of Asbestos Lung Cancer

Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) The IARC says, “Inhalation and ingestion are the primary routes of exposure to asbestos.”

Asbestos is a friable material, which means tiny particles are released into the air when the material is disturbed. These fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, where they burrow deep in the tissues.

Asbestos lung cancer was found to be associated with occupational exposure to asbestos in 1955. In areas where asbestos is mined, the IARC says there is an association between heavy residential exposure to the carcinogen and lung cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 228,150 new cases of lung and bronchial cancers found in 2019, and 142,670 estimated deaths from lung and bronchial cancers this year.

Asbestos exposure also has been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs and the lining of other organs.