The US Environmental Protection Agency announced on Monday the total ban on asbestos, a carcinogen that kills tens of thousands of Americans each year, but is still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products.
Ο new regulation marks a major expansion of the EPA's 2016 regulation that substantially overhauled regulations governing tens of thousands of toxic chemicals in everyday products, from household cleaners to clothing and furniture.
The new regulation bans chrysotile asbestos, the only use of asbestos permitted in the United States. The substance is found in products such as brake pads and gaskets, used to make chlorine bleach and sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, including some used to purify water.
The only form of asbestos known to be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the US is chrysotile asbestos, which is imported primarily from Brazil and Russia.
It is used by the chlor-alkali industry, which as mentioned above produces bleaches, caustic soda and other products. Chlorine for example is one of these disinfectants and is commonly used in water treatment.
Once the new regulation is published, bans on the use of chlor-alkali will be phased in. The ban on the use of asbestos will come into effect in two years.
