On March 19th, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized a ban on the use of the notorious, harmful material known as asbestos. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they would fully ban its use to credible information about its negative impact on human health, which includes asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. EPA administrator Michael S. Regan confidently defended the government’s actions, saying “The science is clear – asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health. President Biden understands that this concern has spanned generations and impacted the lives of countless people. That’s why EPA is so proud to finalize this long-needed ban on ongoing uses of asbestos.” Asbestos is commonly found in automotive brake linings, ceiling tiles, stove, pipe, furnace installation, and cement. The White House made note of the continued presence of asbestos, as White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory stated that “this action marks a major step to improve chemical safety after decades of inadequate protections.” A recent instance that brought notable attention to the harm of asbestos to the local citizens of Orange County was the burning on November 7th of one of the two Tustin Hangars. Once used as a World War II air base, one of the two Hangars burned down due to an unconcluded cause. As a result of the tragic accident, residents all across Orange County feared being exposed to the newly aerosolized asbestos. Dillon Wang, a student at Corona del Mar High School, described his feelings as how “Up until the incident that occurred with the Tustin Hangar, I had heard of asbestos; however, I was unaware of how harmful it can be for people. I am glad to see that the Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to further better our society.” With the banning of the harmful asbestos, people can hopefully begin to breathe a sigh of relief.

New York Times “U.S. Bans the Last Type of Asbestos Still in Use”