EPA Is Considering Rolling Back the Ban on Chrysotile Asbestos
Although the dangers of asbestos have been well documented for decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently informed a federal appeals court that it plans to reconsider the Biden administration’s ban on the last remaining type of asbestos still used in the United States.
The agency stated it will review whether the ban on chrysotile asbestos went “beyond what is necessary” and whether workplace safety measures alone could adequately protect workers. This reconsideration process is expected to take several years.
Public health experts and worker safety advocates have expressed immediate concern, emphasizing that all forms of asbestos are known carcinogens and that continued use—under any circumstances—puts workers and communities at risk.
What Is Chrysotile Asbestos?
The asbestos at issue is chrysotile asbestos, also known as “white asbestos.” Chrysotile is the most widely used form of asbestos historically and has been found in products such as:
- Brake blocks and brake linings
- Sheet gaskets
- Asbestos diaphragms
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, chrysotile asbestos was banned in 2024 when the Biden administration enacted a rule prohibiting its use at eight U.S. facilities in the chlor-alkali industry. These facilities used asbestos diaphragms to manufacture chlorine and sodium hydroxide—chemicals commonly used in water disinfection and industrial processes.
Why the EPA Is Reconsidering the Ban
The EPA has indicated it will evaluate:
- Whether a complete ban exceeds what is “necessary”
- Whether engineering controls and workplace protections could sufficiently limit exposure
- The economic and operational impact on affected industries
Worker protection organizations strongly dispute this approach, noting that no level of asbestos exposure has ever been proven safe. Even limited or short-term exposure can result in serious illness decades later.
Why Any Asbestos Use Is Dangerous
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring, toxic, fibrous silicate minerals prized for their heat resistance and insulating properties. These same properties, however, make asbestos fibers extremely dangerous when inhaled or ingested.
Medical science has conclusively linked asbestos exposure to:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Asbestosis and other chronic lung diseases
Asbestos was widely used in U.S. construction throughout much of the 20th century. As a result, it can still be found in many older homes and commercial buildings, including:
- Siding and roofing materials
- Window caulking and glazing
- Popcorn and textured ceilings
- Vinyl flooring and linoleum
- Plaster and patching compounds
- Attic, duct, and pipe insulation
- Furnace insulation and door gaskets
Although asbestos may appear grayish-white and fibrous, it cannot be reliably identified by sight alone. Testing by trained professionals is the only way to confirm its presence. Attempting to remove asbestos without proper training and protective equipment can significantly increase exposure risk.
What This Means for Workers and Families
Long-term occupational exposure—or even short-term exposure to high concentrations—has been proven to cause mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer with a long latency period. Symptoms often do not appear for decades, long after exposure has ended.
Rolling back asbestos protections raises serious concerns for:
- Industrial workers
- Maintenance and repair crews
- Construction and demolition workers
- Communities near industrial facilities
Madeksho Law Fights for Mesothelioma Victims
At Madeksho Law, we have spent decades standing up for individuals and families harmed by asbestos exposure. We understand the complex intersection of industrial practices, regulatory decisions, and devastating medical outcomes.
Since 1972, Madeksho Law has recovered over $400 million for asbestos victims and their families nationwide. Our team helps clients understand their legal rights, explore compensation options, and navigate this difficult journey with compassion and experience.
📞 Call 888-910-MESO (6376) or use our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
