Tester co-sponsors asbestos ban bill in Senate; Daines elects to wait on further research
Because of the legacy of asbestos-related disease in and around
Sen.
"Asbestos has taken the lives of too many Montanans, and banning this harmful substance will prevent the future loss of life," Tester said Thursday. "Just ask the families in
Daines said Thursday, "I support the ongoing regulatory review regarding the importation of certain products containing asbestos. It is paramount that we prioritize public health and avoid another tragedy like we saw in
Anti-asbestos activists thought the Frank J. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, which was signed into law in 2016, provided a road map for the eventual banning of asbestos -- particularly when the chemical was designated by the EPA as one of the first the agency would review under the new law.
But that process has been slowed considerably by the
The EPA would be able to make the manufacture, processing, use, commercial distribution, and disposal of asbestos illegal within 18 months of the bill's passage, as opposed to the process in current law that could take seven years or more.
She added, "The
Asbestos-related disease, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung, and asbestosis, is blamed for the deaths of 15,000 Americans each year. Cases of mesothelioma, which is thought to be solely caused by exposure to asbestos, are increasing despite the decline in asbestos use. One reason is the latency period. Asbestos-related disease sufferers often do not show symptoms for 30 years or more after exposure.
Also, imports of asbestos into
Other ban attempts over the years have come up short.
Globally, 55 countries have banned asbestos. Next year,
"Don't get me started," said Dr.
Flores, who has operated on patients from
"A full ban is completely necessary. So many people have died here waiting for some legitimate effort on behalf of the federal government to stop what has happened to us," she said Thursday.
The bill's primary sponsor is Sen.
"That's why it's so important that
The bill is endorsed by a wide range of health organizations, including the
The bill is named for Reinstein's husband, Alan, who died in 2006 of mesothelioma.
___
(c)2017 The Montana Standard (Butte, Mont.)
Visit The Montana Standard (Butte, Mont.) at www.mtstandard.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Common Auto Insurance Myths Debunked in a New Article
The Navigators | Volunteers muster for Affordable Care Act enrollment drive
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News