Overview

• EPA initiates a 30-month review of the chrysotile asbestos ban to determine if it exceeded necessary risk protections
• The agency will consider alternative controls, including permanent workplace safety rules, instead of a full import and use ban
• Health advocates warn that delaying or weakening the ban could endanger thousands of Americans at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers
• The reconsideration filing was signed by Lynn Ann Dekleva, a former American Chemistry Council executive, raising concerns over chemical industry influence
• Opponents note that about a quarter of U.S. asbestos imports come from Russia and argue the review could benefit major suppliers backed by industry lobbyists