We’ve been waiting nearly 50 years to type this: Asbestos is finally banned in the United States.

After decades of inadequate protections for workers, the EPA has finally banned the only remaining type of asbestos still imported into America. More than 50 countries have already banned the use of asbestos, which is known to cause several types of cancer including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer.

The asbestos in question, chrysotile, is used in a variety of products, including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and some other types of gaskets. The use of asbestos has been declining as years progress.

Although there are several types of asbestos that occur naturally in the environment, only chrysotile had been used in the United States in recent years. In fact, raw chrysotile asbestos was imported into the United States as recently as 2022 for use by the chlor-alkali industry. Known as “white asbestos,” most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued.

RPWB attorneys have been helping asbestos victims with personal injury lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers for more than 40 years. Our work continues to hold the asbestos industry responsible for the estimated 40,000 asbestos-related deaths in the United States each year. With a verdict of $250 million, RPWB continues to hold the record for the largest single asbestos verdict in our nation’s history and we have helped workers in nearly every U.S. state and territory.

While the use of asbestos in new products is declining, it remains present in a variety of buildings throughout the country. Asbestos was widely used in construction through the 1970s and was used much longer than that in other industries.

The move by the EPA to implement the rule banning chrysotile asbestos will save lives, but unfortunately, due to the prevalence of asbestos and the long latency period for mesothelioma and lung disease, many people will continue to be diagnosed for years to come. In recent years, many people have come into contact with asbestos in talc products, including cosmetics, talcum powder and baby powder. Asbestos and talc occur naturally in nature, so there is a risk of contamination with talc products.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please contact us for a free, no obligation case review. All of our asbestos attorneys have devoted their careers to help asbestos victims.