03/19/2024
What’s apparently been legal up until now...
White asbestos. Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it’s banning the only form of asbestos still used in the US. Chrysotile asbestos, aka white asbestos, is a carcinogen that's been linked to more than 40,000 annual deaths in the US. More than 50 countries have banned white asbestos, but — worst fun fact ever — it’s been used to make things like chlorine bleach, brake pads, and other auto parts in the US. The EPA moved to first phase out the toxic material in 1989. Now, the agency's new rule will ban the import and use of white asbestos. Still, some companies will have up to 12 years to stop using the material!
