Since 2002, there has been no production of asbestos allowed in the United States. However, certain manufacturers still import the mineral to produce items which include electrical insulation, bulletproof vests and bleach.
Small or infrequent asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma
For years, we've been led to believe that asbestos only poses a danger to those who are exposed to high levels of it repeatedly over several years. Asbestos companies have assured us that low levels of the toxin do not increase a person's chances of developing diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer linked to the mineral. A new study indicates otherwise, suggesting that even minimal asbestos exposure can actually place you at greater risk of being diagnosed with the disease.
Does the government protect you from known carcinogens?
That asbestos causes mesothelioma is an international concern. Yet, as an American who could suffer from mesothelioma due to the use of asbestos, you might wonder whether government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are acting in your best interests.
EPA issues final asbestos rule
It is no secret that asbestos can be dangerous, and regulators have been aware of this for some time. Now, the EPA is finally moving toward stronger rulings on asbestos, but there are some who feel these rules do not go as far as they should. The main concept of the Trump Administration's ruling is to require federal approval for companies if they want to import or create certain types of products that use asbestos.
Asbestos can affect your health long after discontinued exposure
Both the manufacturing and construction industries have used asbestos in consumer goods since the beginning of the 20th Century. It became widely known as a dangerous carcinogen shortly after WWII. Still, it was not until 2002 that the United States ceased mining this mineral. Asbestos continues to be used to this day in manufacturing and can be found in millions of homes, schools and workplaces.
