Has the federal government established laws or regulations to decrease asbestos exposure?
Yes. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; however, uses established prior to 1989 are still permitted. The EPA has also established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos, and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or having it encased. The EPA also regulates the release of asbestos from factories during building, demolition, or renovation to monitor the level of asbestos fibers from damaged materials entering the environment.
In addition to the EPA, other government agencies enforce regulations and policies to reduce asbestos exposure including the U.S. Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPS), and various agencies at the state level.
Other Asbestos Litigation FAQs
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Q:
Is asbestos hazardous to your health?
A: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is in fact a human carcinogen, and that breathing high levels of … More -
Q:
Who can file an asbestos-related lawsuit?
A: Although the EPA has made regulations to promote protection from asbestos, and organizations such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) … More -
Q:
What is mesothelioma and how do you get it?
A: The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac … More -
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Who is at risk for mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases?
A: Most people with malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a … More -
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Are products continaing asbestos illegal?
A: Many , but not all, asbestos products have been banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission, including: … More -
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What should I do if I've been exposed to asbestos? What if I don't feel sick?
A: If you've been exposed to asbestos it is important to tell your doctor ! Even if you don’t feel sick, the fact is that people usually don’t show … More -
Q:
Are victims of mesothelioma entitled to social security disability benefits?
A: Individuals with impairments caused by certain exposures to asbestos may qualify for disability claims under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. … More
