EPA
Why Are Many Asbestos Millboard and Paper Products Banned or Restricted?
Throughout much of the 20th century, many companies added asbestos to commercial and consumer products because of its valuable qualities. It is a fireproofing agent because it does not conduct heat and is fire-resistant. It is a fibrous material that is easy to work with and flexible. Asbestos manufacturing facilities used the same paper equipment used…
Read MoreCompanies Have Been Concealing The Dangers of Asbestos for Decades
Asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer continue to be the top causes of occupational sickness and mortality in the United States. Thousands of people who were exposed decades ago are now being diagnosed. The time between exposure to asbestos and illness development can span decades. Those exposed 20 or more years ago…
Read MoreAsbestos Containing Products That Don’t Require Warning Labels
Asbestos-containing materials are primarily used in construction and insulation, but they may also be found in many types of consumer goods. While intact, asbestos is not a hazard, but if disturbed, an individual could develop mesothelioma or lung cancer if repeatedly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Most Americans may think the federal government banned all…
Read MoreGovernment Roles in Asbestos Regulation
Despite the deadly effects of asbestos use on people and the environment, asbestos has not been banned in the United States. Numerous attempts have been made by government agencies to regulate asbestos use by making it harder to obtain, restricting imports, and regulating handling and removal. Since mining operations stopped in 2002, America has relied…
Read MoreAsbestos Laws & Bans Around The World
Asbestos fibers came into commercial use worldwide in the early 1800s due to their tensile strength and ability to withstand heat, fire, and acid. Asbestos fibers are used in numerous commercial and consumer products, roofing and brake pads, to industrial equipment insulation. Despite warnings of adverse health effects, it was not until the late 1970s…
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