Asbestosis (White Lung) is a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos is commonly used as insulation material for buildings. Therefore, occupations most associated with insulation, like contractors, are most at risk. Inhaled asbestos fibers and dust can get trapped in the lung which leads to damage and scarring within the lungs. The World Federation of Public Health Associations, the International Commission on Occupational Health, and the International Trade Union Confederation wanted a global ban on mining and use of asbestos products. They cite that more than 40 industrialized countries have banned asbestos and the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is through the elimination of the product from the market. In the United States, asbestos-containing products that are banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act are: corrugated paper, r
ollboard, commercial paper, specialty paper, and flooring felt. Banned Asbestos-containing uses are asbestos pipe insulation and asbestos block insulation on faulty components, such as boilers and hot water tanks; and spray-applied surfacing asbestos-containing materials. Unfortunately, there are still many asbestos-containing products that are not banned. Below is a list of said products:
Fortunately, in 2018, the EPA proposed a significant new use rule, that would prohibit these uses and products. The EPA is to ensure that the manufacture, import, or processing for the currently unregulated new uses of abestos identified in the rule are prohibited unless reviewed and approved by the EPA. It is great to hear that the use of Asbestos is currently being evaluated for today's use.
Although there are regulations in place around prohibition of asbestos use, we are still hearing news of certain areas or buildings that still have asbestos. It's good to know that it's currently being evaluated because it demonstrates that we are still working to address the needs within our communities to lower and eliminate these harmful exposures, and not ignoring these issues.
ReplyDeleteThis is alarming that the U.S. has not banned all asbestos-containing materials. In looking at the list you provided, some of those products are exposing people daily, not to mention workers. I had heard of black lung but did not know that white lung was associated with asbestos. Thanks for sharing.
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