Posted on February 19, 2025

Despite decades of evidence showing asbestos exposure leads to deadly diseases, the U.S. continues to allow it to be imported and used across the country. While more than 60 countries have fully banned asbestos, the United States allows it to be used in select industries, which puts workers and communities at risk. A recent InvestigateTV+: Examining the Potential Dangers of Asbestos at Home segment highlights the places asbestos remains in use, the limitations of the EPA’s 2024 ban, and why Congress must act.

The Hidden Danger: Asbestos in Everyday Life

Too many people think asbestos was banned years ago, but it continues to be used in roofing materials, automotive parts, and for chlorine production. Once considered a “magic mineral,” asbestos is now recognized as a public health hazard because being exposed to its invisible fibers can lead to deadly diseases.

The InvestigateTV+ report shows how even low-level exposure can be lethal. Dr. Raja Flores, a thoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center, explains:

“Mesothelioma is a completely preventable disease. You get rid of asbestos, you get rid of mesothelioma.”

Despite the known risks, asbestos-related diseases kill thousands each year, with exposure often occurring at work, in homes, and even secondhand through contaminated clothing.

The Human Cost of Inaction

The report highlights the story of Alan Reinstein, an engineer diagnosed with mesothelioma. His widow and ADAO co-founder, Linda Reinstein, explains:

“This is a result of bad policy allowing industry to use a carcinogen for over 100 years.”

Like many victims, how Alan was exposed  is unclear—it could have been at work, during home renovations, or even through a secondhand exposure. However, by the time symptoms appear, it’s too late and the result is the same, as there is no safe level of exposure.

EPA’s 2024 Ban: Progress, But Not Enough

In March 2024, a new  EPA rule banned one kind of asbestos: chrysotile, but even this step forward was concerning. The rule allowed a 12-year phase-out for chlorine production due to industry lobbying. And while the U.S. imported 300 metric tons of asbestos in 2022, the EPA’s ban only applies to one of six types of asbestos, leaving other dangerous fibers legal and unregulated.

Dr. Flores warns:

“They could save more lives with a stroke of their pen than I can with my knife.”

Why Congress Must Act

This is why advocates like ADAO and lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive ban of asbestos to end this unnecessary suffering once and for all. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, co-sponsoring the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, emphasizes:

“Our bill is broader, and it would be legislation, not a rule. It really is about saving lives.”

One of the strongest voices in the fight to ban asbestos are the fire fighters. Fire fighters have higher rates of asbestos-caused disease.  Deadly asbestos fibers become airborne when buildings burn and fire fighters are at an increased risk for exposure as they battle the blaze. Pat Morrison, of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), states:

“Asbestos is bad. Keep it in the ground, use something else that is safer—period.”

The InvestigateTV+ segment raises critical awareness, but action is needed. Until Congress enacts a total ban, asbestos-related diseases will continue to claim lives.

📺 Watch the full segment here: InvestigateTV+: Examining the Potential Dangers of Asbestos at Home