Most people are under the impression that asbestos is banned in the United States, but that’s not entirely true. In fact, the toxin is still found in some products in the United States today.
Although there is evidence that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, efforts made to block it from use in the United States have failed. Asbestos is not mined in the United States any longer, and its uses are limited. That doesn’t mean you couldn’t come into contact with it, though.
In American industries, asbestos is still imported, sold and used. It can be purchased raw or in other products. It is regulated, but despite the Environmental Protect Agency’s (EPA’s) best efforts, its plans for reducing public exposure and phasing out asbestos use was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals. That’s why asbestos is still used so much today.
Did you know that over 50 countries have banned asbestos?
Companies, as well as the U.S. government, know that asbestos is dangerous to workers and the American people. Over 50 countries have banned asbestos completely. It might be found in a variety of places today, from the insulation inside school buildings to the countertops used in a popular restaurant.
Between 1999 and 2013, 14,216 people died due to asbestos exposure. The majority perished from nonmesothelioma lung cancer, while 1,273 developed asbestosis and 2,601 developed mesothelioma. This isn’t a coincidence. If you know you’re exposed or have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to establish that and look into ways to protect yourself against further exposure or health risks.