Most Americans grew up hearing about as asbestos as a dangerous, carcinogenic substance that was largely a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the U.S., unlike a number of other countries, has never completely banned asbestos. Approximately 40,000 Americans die every year because of mesothelioma and other illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos.
Some members of Congress have continued to pursue legislation that would ban asbestos for decades. So far, they haven’t succeeded.
A new version of ARBAN is being drafted in Congress
The most recent legislative effort to ban asbestos is the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN). It was first introduced in 2019 but failed to make it through both houses. Now an updated version of the bill is being drafted.
Sen. Jeff Merkley from Oregon has been a long-time champion of an asbestos ban and a leading proponent of ARBAN. He noted recently, “It’s time for the United States to join dozens of other countries across the developed world, and ban asbestos once and for all….I’ll continue to fight in the United States Senate to permanently outlaw asbestos by leading the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act through Congress, and by pressuring the EPA to regulate the substance under the Toxic Substance Control Act.” The legislation, as it’s currently drafted, would ban commercial importation of asbestos as well as its use.
While asbestos has long been linked to cancers involving the lungs, it’s also been linked to ovarian and laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx). If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related medical condition, it’s crucial that you’re able to find and take advantage of the best possible treatments as they are developed. That’s why you need to explore your options for compensation.