Ban on Asbestos - Facts, Countries That Have Banned Asbestos
In the late 1800s, asbestos was commercially used in North America. Asbestos was consideredan ideal insulating material by the construction industry. It was famous for having high electrical resistance, being fire radiant, inexpensive and easy to use. Till now, asbestos continues to be used in building and construction materials, gaskets, and friction products, roofing materials, andfireproofing materials. Moreover, asbestos has been used in the shipbuilding industry to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. Approximately, more than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos in them.
Facts about Asbestos Ban
The dangerous effects of asbestos came to light when asbestos related disorders were diagnosed such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and pleural thickening. According to the Environmental Working Group Action Fund, 10,000 people die from asbestos related diseases in the United State each year. Statistics show that one man out of every 125 in America over the age of 50 dies because of asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Asbestos was one of the first hazardous air pollutants to be regulated under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act of 1970. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in gas fireplaces in the late 1970s. On July 12, 1989, EPA issued a final rule banning most asbestos-containing products. In 1991, this regulation was upturned by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, allowing uses established prior to 1989. Because of the Court's decision, asbestos-containing products including flooring felt, and commercial, or specialty paper remain banned.
Countries That Have Banned Asbestos
There are over 60 countries that have banned the use of asbestos, in whole or in part including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, India, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and United Kingdom.
Murray's "Ban Asbestos" Bill
In October 2007, the Senate passed a bill to ban asbestos in America. The "Ban Asbestos in America In 2007" is an essential piece of legislation.
The Murray bill will prohibit the import, manufacture, processing and distribution of products containing asbestos in the U.S. This bill prohibits all known types of asbestos and three other durable fibers with a similar structure to asbestos. The bill encompassesfunding and creates a framework for public awareness programsto raise awareness of this dangerous material.
