Asbestos Causes Cancer, But Now the Government is Opening the Door to its Comeback
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Updated April 14th, 2022

Asbestos Causes Cancer, But Now the Government is Opening the Door to its Comeback

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Asbestos is a known carcinogen. It’s been in the news lately because of proposed new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency that may allow the chemical to be used in manufacturing again. A lot of Americans are concerned, and for good reason. Asbestos was widely used in commercial products in the U.S. until the 1970s, when reports linked it to cancers like mesothelioma. Dr. Joseph Friedberg, Head of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said mesothelioma’s survival rate is generally no longer than one to two years, and it is one of the deadliest cancers.

According to NBC News, the EPA proposal, released in June, details how “companies can find new ways to use asbestos that will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some of the products that may now involve asbestos in the manufacturing process include adhesives, sealants, pipeline wrap, and several others.”

Basically, companies would be able to use asbestos as long as they notify the EPA at least 90 days in advance and receive approval. NBC called the proposal a “huge win for chemical industry lobbyists.” But what does it mean for the rest of us? Consider this, asbestos has been banned in 55 countries around the world because of the health risks it poses. Those include an increased risk for a handful of life-threatening diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.


Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen. It’s been in the news lately because of proposed new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency that may allow the chemical to be used in manufacturing again. A lot of Americans are concerned, and for good reason. Asbestos was widely used in commercial products in the U.S. until the 1970s, when reports linked it to cancers like mesothelioma. Dr. Joseph Friedberg, Head of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said mesothelioma’s survival rate is generally no longer than one to two years, and it is one of the deadliest cancers.

According to NBC News, the EPA proposal, released in June, details how “companies can find new ways to use asbestos that will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some of the products that may now involve asbestos in the manufacturing process include adhesives, sealants, pipeline wrap, and several others.”

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Basically, companies would be able to use asbestos as long as they notify the EPA at least 90 days in advance and receive approval. NBC called the proposal a “huge win for chemical industry lobbyists.” But what does it mean for the rest of us? Consider this, asbestos has been banned in 55 countries around the world because of the health risks it poses. Those include an increased risk for a handful of life-threatening diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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