AFL-CIO Praises Biden's Rule Banning Chrysotile Asbestos Use

TL/DR -

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new rule under the amended Toxic Substance Control Act to protect workers from asbestos. This rule, believed to be a landmark protection for workers, will phase out all current uses and imports of chrysotile asbestos, reducing exposure in workplaces and throughout supply chains. However, the rule does not eliminate all types of asbestos fibers and is only the first part of EPA’s plans to address worker asbestos exposures, with more action needed to protect workers exposed to “legacy” asbestos in old buildings and infrastructure.

Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President, Applauds EPA's New Rule on Worker Protection

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) groundbreaking rule is the first final rule under the amended Toxic Substance Control Act aimed at protecting workers, says AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

Shuler praised the Biden administration's commitment to ensuring the safety and health of working people. The rule is set to phase out and ban all current uses and imports of chrysotile asbestos, leading to the elimination of exposures in workplaces and supply chains.

While a critical step, Shuler noted that this does not eliminate all asbestos types and only covers the first half of EPA's plans for addressing worker exposures to asbestos. This initiative includes dealing with the thousands of workers exposed to "legacy" asbestos, which is present in older buildings and infrastructure. Shuler urged the EPA to expediently address these risks as well.

Unions have been raising concerns about the dangers of asbestos for decades. Shuler stated that such actions would undoubtedly save lives and prevent exposures that put working families at risk. She applauded the administration's unwavering focus on making workplaces safer, giving families confidence in the safety of their working loved ones.

For additional information, contact Steve Smith at 202-637-5018.

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