Trump Administration Allows New Uses of Asbestos, Here’s What We Can Do

It kind of feels like I’m being transported back in time. Asbestos, one of the most toxic materials on the planet, is linked directly to the cancer mesothelioma. It’s well established. No one disputes these claims. It’s like lead, it’s bad. And yet the Trump administration just moved to allow new uses of asbestos in American consumer products, all under the guise of “strengthening” regulations.

It’s mind boggling, I know.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Asbestos

• Asbestos is still legal in the U.S. (even though 60 countries have banned it outright) under our weak consumer safety laws
• Recent studies have found asbestos in Claire’s and Justice makeup, targeted to children
• This week crayons were found to contain asbestos according to testing by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group
• Even the smallest amount of asbestos fibers can lodge into people’s lungs and cause cancer

Simply put, asbestos is dangerous, and it’s one of the few minerals that can be directly linked to causing harm.

Updated TSCA is failing to be implemented by the Trump EPA

My previous employer, and the nation’s largest coalition working to remove toxic chemicals from consumer products, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, worked for over 8 years to pass and reform updated TSCA legislation.

In 2016 the bill made its way across the finish line and to President Obama’s desk. The bill wasn’t what any of us in the public health and environmental community had wanted, but it was a first step.

Even the modest improvements to TSCA that passed, haven’t been implemented by the Trump Administration’s EPA. To make matters worse, they are rolling back legislation passed by Congress. Many organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense Fund, and Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families have sued the EPA for their illegal implementation and rollbacks.

Here’s What We Can Do

Call your Senators

Tell them you are outraged that the Administration is allowing asbestos to be used in consumer products and you need them to act. If you want a specific legislative “ask” you can tell them that they need to strengthen the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to ensure the EPA will swiftly act on toxic chemicals used in consumer products.

Ask Candidates Where They Stand

We are in prime election season, which means that elected officials (local, state, or federal) will be knocking on your door and entering your communities to seek your vote. Please ask them tough questions, send them emails via their campaign websites and ask volunteers working the streets.

Sample questions include:
If elected into office, would CANDIDATE NAME, vote to pass legislation that would ban harmful chemicals, like asbestos, from consumer products?

How does the candidate feel about passing new regulations to ensure consumer products, like personal care products, children’s toys, and building materials are free from hazardous chemicals?

Where does the candidate stand on passing environmental regulations that would ensure toxic chemicals from industries do not end up in our air and waterways?

Vote

It doesn’t matter what political party you identify with (or none!), these issues transcend partisan lines. I highly encourage you to vote for candidates who will take a strong stand on these issues. If you do identify as a conservative or independent voter—or live in a conservative leaning state or district—you hold a particular amount of power with your elected officials. In today’s evolving political climate, conservative elected officials need to know that their base supports common sense regulations that protect people and the planet.

As you may remember, it wasn’t that long ago where Republicans were actively voting on climate change legislation, conservation, and common sense consumer safety laws. We the people, need to make our leaders realize they will be held accountable if they don’t vote the right way on these important issues.

Shop the Safer Product Market

• Safer makeup for children and adults
• Shop for beeswax based crayons
• Opt for colored pencils and non-toxic markers

Donate to and Follow the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

I’ve worked for years with a bright and determined President of ADAO, Linda ___. Linda started the organization after her husband passed away from mesothelioma. She has walked the halls of Congress and spoken on behalf of the thousands of spouses, sisters, and brothers who have lost loved ones to this deadly disease.

We worked together to pass modest updates to TSCA and she has been a constant source for the science around asbestos, and the moral reasons to act.

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