Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Ban on Ongoing Uses of Asbestos to Protect People from Cancer
The EPA announced a final rule prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form currently used in or imported to the United States. Asbestos exposure is linked to over 40,000 deaths annually.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule on March 18, 2024, prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form currently used in or imported to the United States. This represents the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Asbestos exposure causes lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, linked to over 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated: "The science is clear — asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health."
Compliance Timeline
- Chlor-alkali sector: Import banned immediately; eight remaining facilities must transition within 5-12 years
- Sheet gaskets: Most banned two years after the rule's effective date; titanium dioxide and nuclear material processing gaskets receive five-year phase-outs
- Other uses: Oilfield brake blocks, automotive brakes, and other gaskets face six-month bans
The EPA mandates strict workplace safety measures during extended phase-out periods, proper disposal following industry standards and OSHA requirements, and mandatory recordkeeping.
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