Asbestos, a once-celebrated mineral prized for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, has long been a public health concern due to its undeniable link to deadly diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. In March 2024, the Biden administration finalized a historic ban on chrysotile asbestos, the only form still used in the United States, marking a significant step toward protecting public health. However, recent developments under the Trump administration have sparked widespread concern. According to a court filing on June 16, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to reconsider this ban, potentially delaying its enforcement for years. This move threatens to reverse decades of progress in reducing exposure to this known carcinogen, raising critical questions about environmental policy and public safety.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the implications of reconsidering the asbestos ban, explore the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, examine the history of asbestos regulation in the U.S., and discuss why this decision could have far-reaching consequences for American workers, communities, and the environment. We’ll also provide actionable insights for staying informed and advocating for stronger protections.
The Dangers of Asbestos: A Known Carcinogen
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and electrical insulation properties. These qualities made asbestos a popular material in construction, automotive parts, and industrial applications throughout much of the 20th century. However, decades of research have established a clear link between asbestos exposure and severe health risks, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause chronic irritation and oxidative stress in the lungs, leading to cancer.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring from asbestos fibers, resulting in breathing difficulties and reduced lung function.
- Other Cancers: The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked asbestos to cancers of the larynx, ovary, and digestive tract.
According to the EPA, asbestos exposure is responsible for an estimated 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. Despite these risks, chrysotile asbestos—also known as “white asbestos”—remains in use in products like roofing materials, gaskets, brake pads, and chlorine production diaphragms. The 2024 ban aimed to phase out these uses, but the Trump administration’s reconsideration could allow continued importation and use, potentially increasing exposure risks for workers and consumers.
The History of Asbestos Regulation in the U.S.
The fight to regulate asbestos in the United States has been long and fraught with challenges. Here’s a brief timeline of key developments:
- 1970s: Asbestos is identified as a carcinogen under the Clean Air Act, prompting initial restrictions on its use in construction.
- 1989: The EPA attempts a near-complete ban on asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), but the ban is overturned in 1991 by a federal appeals court, leaving only partial restrictions in place.
- 2016: Congress passes the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, amending the TSCA to grant the EPA stronger authority to regulate toxic chemicals, including asbestos.
- 2024: The Biden administration finalizes a ban on chrysotile asbestos, prohibiting its import, manufacture, and use in the U.S., with phase-out periods for industries like the chlor-alkali sector.
- 2025: The Trump administration announces plans to reconsider the 2024 ban, potentially delaying enforcement for up to 30 months, according to a filing with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
This reconsideration is seen as a setback by health advocates, who argue that it prioritizes industry interests over public safety. The chlor-alkali industry, which uses asbestos in diaphragms for chlorine production, and trade groups like the American Chemistry Council have lobbied for exemptions, citing the lack of immediate alternatives. However, critics point out that safer, asbestos-free technologies are already widely adopted in Europe and other regions.
Why Reconsidering the Ban Matters
The decision to revisit the asbestos ban has far-reaching implications for public health, environmental justice, and regulatory trust. Here are the key concerns:
1. Increased Health Risks
Reversing or delaying the ban could lead to continued asbestos exposure, particularly for workers in industries like chemical manufacturing, automotive repair, and construction. Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to manifest, meaning today’s exposures could result in a wave of illnesses in the future. For example, firefighters and cleanup crews face heightened risks during events like wildfires, where asbestos in older buildings can become airborne.
2. Global Disparity
Over 70 countries, including the European Union, Canada, and Australia, have banned all forms of asbestos. The U.S. risks falling further behind global standards by allowing chrysotile asbestos to remain in use. This could also perpetuate the international market for asbestos, particularly from countries like Russia, a major exporter.
3. Environmental Justice
Low-income communities and workers in high-risk industries are disproportionately affected by asbestos exposure. The continued use of asbestos could exacerbate health disparities, as these groups often lack access to adequate protections or healthcare.
4. Erosion of Regulatory Progress
The 2024 ban was a landmark achievement under the reformed TSCA, symbolizing the EPA’s renewed commitment to chemical safety. Reconsidering the ban undermines public confidence in the agency’s ability to prioritize health over industry pressures.
The Trump Administration’s Stance on Asbestos
President Trump has historically expressed skepticism about the dangers of asbestos. In his 1997 book, The Art of the Comeback, he suggested that the movement against asbestos was influenced by “mob-related companies” involved in its removal. In 2012, he tweeted that the World Trade Center would not have burned down during the 9/11 attacks if asbestos had not been removed, a claim contradicted by the presence of 400 tons of asbestos in the towers’ lower floors. These statements have fueled concerns that the administration’s reconsideration of the ban is driven by a broader deregulatory agenda rather than scientific evidence.
The EPA’s court filing, signed by Lynn Dekleva, a former American Chemistry Council official, indicates a 30-month review process, during which the ban’s enforcement could be halted. This delay has drawn sharp criticism from groups like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which warns that it “moves the nation backward, once again putting lives at risk.”
What Can You Do?
As concerned citizens, there are steps you can take to stay informed and advocate for stronger protections:
- Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources like the EPA’s official website or environmental advocacy groups for updates on asbestos regulation.
- Support Legislation: Back bills like the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, reintroduced by Senator Jeff Merkley, which aims to ban all asbestos imports within one year.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about the risks of asbestos exposure with your community, especially in areas with older buildings or industrial sites.
- Contact Lawmakers: Urge your representatives to prioritize public health and support comprehensive asbestos bans.
External Links for Further Reading
- EPA: Asbestos Ban Final Rule – Official details on the 2024 chrysotile asbestos ban.
- World Health Organization: Asbestos Health Risks – Comprehensive overview of asbestos-related diseases.
- Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization – Advocacy resources and information on asbestos risks.
- The New York Times: EPA Plans to Reconsider Asbestos Ban – In-depth reporting on the Trump administration’s move.
- Environmental Working Group: Asbestos Imports Surge – Analysis of asbestos import trends and health impacts.
The Trump administration’s plan to reconsider the chrysotile asbestos ban is a troubling development in the ongoing fight to protect Americans from a known carcinogen. With asbestos linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually, any delay in enforcing the ban risks exposing workers, communities, and future generations to preventable harm. As the U.S. lags behind dozens of countries that have fully banned asbestos, this moment calls for renewed advocacy and vigilance. By staying informed, supporting protective legislation, and raising awareness, we can push for policies that prioritize public health over industry interests. The stakes are too high to ignore.
