NABTU Praises Biden's Historic Asbestos Ban by EPA

TL/DR -

The North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) has lauded the Biden Administration's rule banning the use of chrysotile asbestos. The new rule by the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to phase out chrysotile asbestos in various industries, which have been linked to numerous health issues among construction workers. Despite this positive step, NABTU continues to support rule-making efforts aimed at tackling the issue of legacy asbestos, which still exposes construction workers to the harmful substance.

North American Building Trades Union Praises Asbestos Ban

Washington, D.C. – March 18, 2024 – North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey has lauded the Biden Administration's pivotal rule prohibiting chrysotile asbestos use. This EPA rule is highlighted as a triumph for construction unions, historically the most afflicted by asbestos-related diseases. The toxicity of asbestos is cited as a direct cause of hundreds of thousands of American deaths.

McGarvey acknowledges the profound impact this rule will have across the supply chain, with ramifications extending beyond industries currently utilizing asbestos. The ban presents a critical safeguard for construction workers involved in the building, maintenance, and demolition of structures within these industries, mitigating risk of potentially fatal exposures.

He commends the Biden Administration for its commitment to science and worker safety, underlining the decades-long crusade of NABTU and its affiliates advocating for this ban. McGarvey also expresses gratitude towards President Biden for the steps taken to protect America's construction workforce.

Despite hailing the ban as a significant step in the right direction, McGarvey reminds that this does not signify the end of the struggle. Workers are still exposed to asbestos "legacy," embedded since the 1800s in various construction materials across all industries. As such, NABTU continues to support EPA's rulemaking efforts on legacy asbestos and remains vigilant in its commitment to worker safety.

###

---
Read More USA Works News