EPA Bans Most Common Form of Asbestos – Chrysotile White Asbestos March 18, 2024, will forever stand as a milestone in the fight for public safety as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Biden administration, has officially enacted a comprehensive ban on chrysotile white asbestos. This move comes after over three decades of tireless advocacy and marks the first significant restriction on this hazardous substance by the federal government since 1989. Chrysotile white asbestos has been linked to devastating illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer ..read more

Asbestos Cement Products in Global Trade The safety and well-being of workers should always be a top priority for any workplace. However, a recent study conducted by Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) has revealed that the installation and removal of asbestos cement products can lead to exposure levels of asbestos that exceed the limits established by the United States. This is a troubling finding as it means that many workers who have handled asbestos cement products have been exposed to high levels of asbestos, which can result in serious health issues such as mesothelio ..read more

New Mesothelioma Oral Medication Clinical Trail VT3989 Researchers are currently studying a new promising drug for people with mesothelioma in hopes of moving closer to eliminating tumors. This mesothelioma oral medication is being included in a phase 1, multi-center, open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and PK of VT3989 in patients with refractory locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors enriched for tumors harboring mutations of the NF2 gene. The gene locks proteins that cause tumors to grow and spread throughout the body. The drug is taken orally and meant for people wh ..read more

Navigating the Toxic Substances Control Act In 1976, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was granted authority to track all record-keeping, testing requirements, and restrictions on chemical substances under the The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This law was passed by the 94th United States Congress and remains in effect today. Although this law is still active, Americans everywhere could have been unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals which could be found in commercially manufactured products and structures at that time. This exposure has affected people’s health and well ..read more

EPA’s Reporting Rule for Asbestos Under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) “We know that exposure to asbestos causes cancer and other serious health problems that still result in thousands of people dying every year, and today we’re continuing our work to protect people from this dangerous chemical. We’ve already proposed to ban chrysotile asbestos, and the data we’ll receive from this final rule will help us to better evaluate and address the health risks from the remaining uses and types of asbestos.” – Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention ..read more

How Can Drones Be Used for Asbestos Removal? Drones have the potential to not only be used for asbestos removal, but to also positively impact society. Their application when it comes to asbestos removal is a prime example that is only now being realized. By integrating hyperspectral sensors and compact cameras, drones can efficiently detect asbestos, minimizing human exposure. This advanced technology not only identifies the presence of asbestos but also assesses its condition, aiding in prioritizing removal plans. Additionally, drones revolutionize site mapping, offering a detailed yet broad ..read more

When Was the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act Passed? The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, or AHERA, passed in 1986, required school districts to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in educational buildings and take action to control the release and consumption of asbestos fibers. Nearly one-third of schools in the United States may contain asbestos. This carcinogen affects millions of students, teachers, and other staff, putting occupants at risk of developing asbestos-related health issues. Understanding AHERA and what it means for individuals in the health and legal fi ..read more

Diagnosing Mesothelioma vs. Lung-Related Diseases and Issues Unfortunately, lung diseases are all too common – and those affected deserve an accurate diagnosis. While respiratory issues are prevalent, diagnosing them sometimes becomes difficult because many lung diseases share similar symptoms. Suppose you’ve been diagnosed with a lung disease or exposed to carcinogens. In that case, you might consider getting a second opinion on your diagnosis to ensure you receive the accurate treatment needed for your disease. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the top five lung diseases most confused wit ..read more

European Asbestos Forum The European Asbestos Forum (EAF) is a vital platform that effectively addresses asbestos-related challenges while supporting collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The forum places an emphasis on education and awareness by enhancing the expertise and safety of professionals working in asbestos-related fields. Its advocacy efforts also extend to shaping policies that promote safer workplaces and stringent asbestos regulations. This year, The International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is taking place from October 19 to 21, 2023, organized by the European Asbestos Fo ..read more

Asbestos in School Buildings Across the Nation The history of asbestos in schools dates back to the early to mid-20th century when asbestos was considered a versatile and highly desirable material due to its fire-resistant, insulating, and durable properties. Asbestos was extensively used in the construction of school buildings for various purposes, including insulation around pipes and boilers, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials, and even laboratory equipment. Its heat resistance and fireproofing qualities made it a popular choice to enhance safety within educational facilities. Ho ..read more