The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released its Draft Risk Evaluation for Asbestos. Although these are preliminary findings from a review of many potential asbestos exposures, they highlight the dangers of asbestos.
The EPA’s findings didn’t show any continuing risk to the environment. Unfortunately, they found an unreasonable risk to workers, occupational non-users, consumers and bystanders. According to the EPA, “Workers, occupational non-users, consumers, and bystanders could be adversely affected by asbestos under certain conditions of use.”
For workers and those who use chemical products, the EPA recommends they first read all product labels carefully. These individuals should also follow workplace regulations and use personal protective equipment to avoid exposure.
For consumers, the EPA recommends individuals ask retailers if their products contain asbestos. If so, they recommend consumers not use these products.
Although most asbestos-containing products are discontinued, not every product is currently banned. In fact, the 1989 ban on asbestos only lasted until it was overturned in 1991. This effort has kept the toxic substance legal even till now.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), it’s the EPA’s duty to inspect all toxic chemicals on the market to decide whether or not they pose a risk. And while many thought the EPA would use this responsibility to ban asbestos, this has yet to occur.
About 3,000 new diagnoses of mesothelioma occur in the United States each year. The only way to see a decline is by removing harmful asbestos completely.
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. To learn more about mesothelioma and asbestos, give us a call at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message today.
