Total Ban on Commercial Asbestos: Protecting Public Health and Environment
This Act establishes a near-total prohibition on the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of commercial asbestos and products containing it, effective one year after enactment. The primary goal is to safeguard public health by eliminating new sources of exposure to this toxic material. Furthermore, the law mandates federal agencies to educate citizens about asbestos hazards and available mitigation resources.
Key points
A complete ban on introducing new commercial asbestos and asbestos-containing products into commerce takes effect one year after the law is enacted.
Asbestos already installed in existing buildings is excluded from the distribution ban, but distribution solely for disposal is permitted.
The chlor-alkali industry is granted a two-year grace period to phase out the use of asbestos in its manufacturing processes.
The government must develop public educational resources detailing the health risks of asbestos and licensed removal options available nationwide.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1069
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Process start date: 2023-03-30