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Does the EPA allow asbestos-containing substances?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency that was established in 1970 to set and enforce guidelines to protect the environment.
The agency has been under heat lately due to claims that it was going to allow new asbestos-containing products to be used in the United States.
Why would this be a problem?
Asbestos is a material that was widely used in the mid-20th century. While it is chemically harmless, it is extremely dangerous when it enters the body. Over time, the chronic inflammation caused by inhaled asbestos fibers can develop into mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the outer lining of the lungs.
Many individuals were exposed to asbestos at work years ago and later developed mesothelioma. Further allowing asbestos products on the market would certainly be problematic and could cause even more cases of mesothelioma down the road.
What, exactly, is the EPA proposing?
The fact-checking website claims that the EPA is allowing new asbestos-containing products on the market.
Let’s take a look at the facts:
On June 1, 2018, the office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, part of the EPA, proposed a “Significant New Use Rule” for asbestos. This typically happens when a substance will be used in a completely different way – and the new proposed use could potentially cause concerns.
Basically, the Significant New Use Rule for asbestos requires manufacturers and importers to obtain EPA approval before proceeding with the manufacturing or importing process. This allows the EPA to review the product, and prohibit or limit its use.
The truth: No major changes have been made. The EPA is simply requiring manufacturers and importers to seek EPA approval for new uses of asbestos.
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There is no question about whether asbestos exposure can lead to devastating health outcomes. Most people in South Carolina already know that exposure to this toxic substance can cause mesothelioma, but that is not all. Lung cancer and asbestosis are other diseases that victims may develop years or even decades after being exposed. Here is […]
READ MOREMesothelioma-causing asbestos found in more makeup products
There is really no ambiguity when it comes to the health risks associated with asbestos, which is why the carcinogen has been banned in a number of countries. Despite this, asbestos is still used in some products in the United States. However, the dangerous substance is showing up in far more places than the construction […]
READ MOREWhen Personal Vaporizers Explode: An Entire Industry Designed Around the Wrong Battery
By Chris Moore Since the mid-2000s, we have become more reliant on lithium-ion batteries and the devices they power. The batteries are extremely useful and serve an important function. Just a decade ago, it would have been inconceivable for a laptop computer or a smartphone to be used for an entire day on just one […]
READ MOREWomen who wear makeup could be victims of asbestos exposure
Applying makeup is a daily practice for many women in South Carolina. These women should be able to put on their makeup without worrying about asbestos exposure, but this might not be the case. A significant number of cosmetics could contain this cancer-causing substance, putting women everywhere at risk for serious and even fatal health […]
READ MORECity blamed for firefighter trainees’ asbestos exposure
As public servants, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the people of South Carolina. Firefighters likely expect to encounter potentially dangerous substances while on the job. However, few may think that they would be victims of asbestos exposure during their training. An out-of-state city might have to shell out for fines […]
READ MORERPWB Named To Leadership of 3M Combat Arms Ear Plug MDL
RPWB member attorney Elizabeth Middleton Burke was named to the leadership of the 3M Combat Arms Ear Plug multidistrict litigation. Federal lawsuits filed against 3M for producing faulty military ear plugs have been consolidated in the Northern District of Florida. Burke was named as co-chair of the Plaintiff Steering Committee, which builds the national product […]
READ MORENew mesothelioma therapy approved by the FDA
There is positive news for those diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the NovoTTF-100L System for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is the first therapy to receive FDA approval for the disease in 15+ years. The last treatment to receive FDA approval was Alimta in 2004. Questions? You can […]
READ MOREMesothelioma can come decades after asbestos exposure
Preventing fires is important for public safety, but some efforts at doing so are better than others. For example, asbestos was once widely used in homes and other buildings as a form of fire retardant. While asbestos might be effective at resisting and preventing fires, it is also extremely dangerous to human health. The toxic […]
READ MOREApartment residents worried about asbestos exposure
Removing asbestos from older buildings is extremely dangerous. If not done properly, asbestos fibers can become airborne. This type of asbestos exposure is linked to devastating health outcomes, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. However, before being diagnosed, some people in South Carolina might not even know that they were ever exposed to the deadly substance. […]
READ MOREMerchant Marines and mesothelioma
Many Navy veterans have developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure on Navy ships. But another group of employees who have widely been exposed to asbestos on ships is Merchant Marines. These men and women offer valuable service transporting cargo and passengers in times of peace, and supporting the United States Navy in times of war. […]
READ MOREWhole community still fears asbestos exposure
Working in certain industries can put people at a higher than average risk for being exposed to asbestos. However, being employed in construction or manufacturing is far from the only way to fall victim to asbestos exposure. In some situations, entire neighborhoods and communities might be exposed through no fault of their own. The residents […]
READ MORERPWB named to leadership of firefighting foam MDL
CHARLESTON, S.C. – RPWB has been named to the leadership of litigation to help the nation’s water utilities filter out harmful chemicals left behind by firefighting foam manufactured by 3M and Tyco. RPWB member Christiaan Marcum sits on the Plaintiff Executive Committee of the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Multi-District Litigation, which has been consolidated in […]
READ MOREEPA seeks to limit asbestos exposure with new rule
Despite the fact that the dangerous health effects of asbestos are well understood, it is still imported into the United States. This imported substance is used in a wide range of products that continue to put people in South Carolina at significant risk for asbestos exposure. A new rule from the Environmental Protection Agency could […]
READ MOREProperty owners sentenced for asbestos exposure
Removing asbestos can be a dangerous undertaking and may put workers and nearby people at risk for exposure. In order to minimize asbestos exposure and the related health risks, removal of the toxic substance is heavily regulated. Some people in South Carolina and elsewhere view this regulation as more of an annoying roadblock than an […]
READ MOREWhat are the two types of asbestos?
Asbestos is a chemically harmless substance, but when it is inhaled or ingested, it can wreak havoc on the body. Mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It typically affects the outer lining of the lungs, but can affect other areas of the body, as well. For many people diagnosed with […]
READ MOREFamily raises awareness over loved one’s mesothelioma death
Exposure to asbestos is not always obvious at the time. Many people live years or even decades after exposure before developing sometimes subtle but troubling symptoms. When those symptoms end up pointing to mesothelioma, victims in South Carolina can be understandably angry and confused, and it is often the families who are left behind to […]
READ MOREImproved labeling could prevent some asbestos exposure
Following the discovery of asbestos in some of the cosmetic products sold by the retailer Claire’s, some members of the U.S. Congress are pushing for improved warning labels on potentially dangerous products. Asbestos exposure is especially serious as it can lead to fatal illnesses decades in the future. Better labeling practices could give South Carolina […]
READ MOREDo you know the most common form of mesothelioma?
You may have already known that asbestos is toxic and tried to avoid it, or maybe you had never even heard of the substance before receiving a life-altering diagnosis. The fatal cancer mesothelioma is unfortunately not an uncommon outcome of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can present in several different forms, but pleural mesothelioma is the most […]
READ MORESupreme Court ruling will help asbestos victims
By Dave Butler The United States Supreme Court delivered an unexpectedly good opinion for asbestos victims last week. For years, equipment makers (including those who make pumps, valves, turbines and boilers) have argued that they only make and sell metal products and cannot be held responsible for asbestos products made by third parties and later […]
READ MOREU.S. Supreme Court issues opinion on asbestos
There’s good news for Navy veterans who developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure on ships: The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion allowing mesothelioma victims to take action against the manufacturers of boilers, pumps and other metal equipment that required asbestos components be added in order for them to operate. Many Navy servicemembers and veterans […]
READ MOREHundreds of students displaced after asbestos exposure
Students and parents alike tend to expect schools to be safe places that are free from serious threats and risks. Sadly, this is not always the case. Older school buildings can pose various dangers, especially when poor upkeep contributes to things like hidden mold or dangerous stairwells. Another hidden risk in many old schools? The […]
READ MOREWhy does asbestos litigation seem so common?
The use of asbestos is heavily regulated, which might lead some people in South Carolina to believe that it is a past problem that has no more bearing on current times. Unfortunately, this is far from reality. As some people develop health problems decades after exposure and companies make headlines for concealing the presence asbestos […]
READ MOREFrequently asked questions about mesothelioma
By Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman, LLC posted in mesothelioma on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. We recently published a SlideShare titled Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma. If you have further questions or wish to speak to an attorney about your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis, please call us at 866-548-6868. Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma from The Law Buzz
READ MORENo recall for Claire’s products linked to asbestos exposure
Many women, teenagers and even young girls in South Carolina can recount going to a Claire’s store to have their ears pierced. The popular chain not only provides ear piercing services, it also sells a wide variety of items marketed to young girls. Unfortunately, some of those products likely resulted in asbestos exposure. The Food and […]
READ MORECompensation for mesothelioma is possible
Asbestos was once frequently used in a wide range of industries, from automobiles to manufacturing to construction and much more. For those working in these types of industries, exposure to asbestos was not only common but, at one point in time, even routine. Decades later, many of these workers are now suffering the serious health […]
READ MOREMesothelioma victim, wife file suit for asbestos exposure
South Carolina patients who develop serious, life-threatening medical issues suffer more than just physical symptoms. Many deal with ongoing and severe emotional distress related to their illnesses. This is often true for patients dealing with mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Some victims decide to channel their emotional distress toward holding those […]
READ MOREQuestions for your doctor after a mesothelioma diagnosis
Going to a medical appointment can be a stressful, nerve-wracking experience. This is especially true after receiving a diagnosis such as mesothelioma. Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have many questions about their diagnosis, treatment plan, options, prognosis, and more. But remembering those questions when it comes time to meet with the doctor can be a […]
READ MOREFamily secures $18.5 million re loved one’s asbestos exposure
Facing the death of a loved one is rarely an easy process, but it can be especially difficult when their death was the result of another’s negligence. When dealing with asbestos exposure, this often involves families losing their loved ones to extremely devastating diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Some of these families in […]
READ MOREWhat jobs have high asbestos exposure?
People who work in certain jobs and industries have a higher likelihood of being exposed to asbestos. The danger here is that asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that usually affects the outer lining of the lungs, and can affect other body parts as well. Mesothelioma most often occurs in people […]
READ MOREUniversity apologizes for decades of asbestos exposure
Long-term health issues are just one concern of unexpected exposure to the toxic substance asbestos. South Carolina victims might also face financial issues when dealing with medical bills for mesothelioma or lung cancer care, which can also require them to take time off work. But what about when the impact of asbestos exposure is more immediate. […]
READ MORECouple blames lung cancer on asbestos exposure
Asbestos is often considered a problem of the past that few people South Carolina need to worry about. However, asbestos is still used in a wide range of products and new exposures are still a frightening reality. Additionally, because of the of the nature of how asbestos exposure causes damage, those who had a problem […]
READ MOREParents worried about asbestos exposure at school
Parents generally expect that their children will be safe at school, but this is sadly not always the case. Some school buildings — particularly those that are older — are filled with dangerous substances, such as asbestos, that must be removed as the building ages. However, this could put many South Carolina school children at […]
READ MOREI was diagnosed with mesothelioma, what can I do?
Regardless of how many fruits and vegetables South Carolina residents eat, how often they exercise and how well they take care of themselves, another person’s negligence can still cause them to develop serious health issues. Developing mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure is just one devastating example of this. This form of cancer is […]
READ MORERPWB welcomes a new member
Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman is proud to announce that Aaron Dias has been named the firm’s newest member. Dias has spent the entirety of his legal career with RPWB, beginning as a clerk during law school. In 2005, he became an associate attorney at the firm. His practice focuses primarily on pharmaceutical and other […]
READ MOREFrequently asked questions about asbestos in baby powder
Over the past few years, thousands of people have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Johnson’s Baby Powder. Many regular users of the baby powder have developed ovarian cancer and other types of cancer. Here, we answer some common questions about asbestos in baby powder: How does asbestos get in baby powder? […]
READ MOREWoman’s lung cancer diagnosis linked to asbestos exposure
Many people already understand that exposure to asbestos can cause victims to develop the deadly cancer mesothelioma. But what about other serious health effects? One woman points to asbestos exposure as the root cause behind her lung cancer diagnosis. The woman — who does not live in South Carolina — and her husband filed a […]
READ MOREWhere is asbestos exposure likely to occur?
Protecting oneself from asbestos might seem easy enough, but few people realize the truly astounding number of products that still contain this deadly substance. Asbestos exposure can occur at work, in the home or in any number of places because of its still relatively widespread use or leftover remnants from decades past. Here are a […]
READ MORENeighbors at risk of asbestos exposure after illegal demolition
Despite the limits the government has placed on the use of asbestos in building supplies, the danger remains. Many older homes and structures in South Carolina were built with asbestos-containing materials in their floors, walls, roofs and other places. As long as the materials are undisturbed, there is less danger. However, when the particles are […]
READ MOREProving asbestos exposure isn’t an impossible task
We recently published a SlideShare discussing the issue of proving asbestos exposure. This is a concern for many who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, especially considering that asbestos exposure may have occurred several decades ago. Please view our SlideShare for more information, and contact us if you wish to discuss your concerns with an attorney. How […]
READ MOREJohnson & Johnson allegedly knew about asbestos exposure
Asbestos, a toxic, cancer-causing substance, is well-known to be dangerous to human health. This is not new information to anyone in South Carolina, and yet for decades Johnson & Johnson allegedly knew that their products were contaminated with asbestos, and said nothing. Evidence indicates that the company actively tried to cover up ongoing asbestos exposure […]
READ MOREWife sues manufacturer over husband’s mesothelioma death
Contrary to what may be popular belief, asbestos exposure can occur virtually anywhere and at anytime, not just in the construction and manufacturing industries. The health effects of such exposure are tangible and devastating for victims who go on to develop mesothelioma. For some in South Carolina, these terrible health outcomes do not occur until […]
READ MORELibrary demolition may cause widespread asbestos exposure
Despite its once prevalent use in construction, most people in South Carolina now understand just how dangerous asbestos is. As such, communities have an understandable right to be concerned when they learn of a potential source of asbestos exposure or contamination. For one community in a different state, there are mounting worries in regard to the […]
READ MOREParties agree to settle SC nuclear plant class action
SCANA and SCE&G settle class action lawsuit with Attorney General and Plaintiffs Related to V.C. Summer Nuclear Costs Plaintiffs Richard Lightsey, LeBrian Cleckley, and Phillip Cooper have reached an agreement with SCANA Corporation and South Carolina Electric & Gas Company to settle a lawsuit filed in the state Court of Common Pleas in Hampton County on […]
READ MORE3 common products that may still contain asbestos
People are often surprised to find out that exposure to asbestos is still a significant issue in the United States. It might seem that in the 40+ years since the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 gave the EPA broad authority to regulate asbestos production, the issue should be largely resolved. But exposure to asbestos […]
READ MOREAsbestos exposure, mesothelioma more common than you may think
The vast majority of people in South Carolina have likely been exposed to asbestos at some point in their life. While even small amounts of asbestos can be extremely detrimental to human health, most people will not develop mesothelioma as a result of brief, one-off exposures. However, for those who do, the results can be […]
READ MOREMan started illegal fire, community suffered asbestos exposure
Asbestos is a highly toxic substance, which is why rules and regulations regarding its proper disposal are so incredibly important. Unfortunately, many South Carolina businessmen and women prefer to prioritize their own bottom lines over having to pay for the right methods of disposal. In a recent out-of-state incident, a man allegedly caused an entire […]
READ MOREEarly detection of mesothelioma
“I know I was exposed to asbestos decades ago. Is there any way to start testing early for mesothelioma?” Occupational asbestos exposure was very common in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. It wasn’t until the 1970s that strict regulations were put in place that limited asbestos use in the United States. Still today, many peop