Lack of Asbestos Ban Leads to Exposure at Chlorine Plants

Both Olin and OxyChem claim that their chlorine plants are safe for workers. But these recent reports indicate the danger of exposure at these facilities. The reports highlight the need for a complete ban on this dangerous mineral to protect workers. Without a comprehensive ban, chemical workers continue to be at risk of exposure.

Lawmakers and EPA Consider a Ban on Asbestos

For decades, chlorine companies have argued that workers at their plants were safe from asbestos exposure. The ProPublica reports show that this has not been the case. The reports, activism and bans in other countries have U.S. lawmakers reconsidering an asbestos ban.

In April 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new partial asbestos ban. The plan is to ban chrysotile asbestos use. The agency says it hopes to complete the rulemaking process by November 2023.

Some lawmakers are calling for a ban on all types of asbestos. The proposed Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act would ban all asbestos activities, including importing. This law would need to be passed by Congress.

Chlorine industry groups continue to claim that banning asbestos would harm their businesses. But evidence suggests otherwise. They have already updated and built chlorine plants that do not use asbestos. At the same time, they have seen record profits.

Claims that banning asbestos would hurt the country’s chlorine supply are also unfounded, according to public health advocates. Only a small fraction of drinking water uses chlorine from asbestos-dependent plants.

Chlorine Plant Workers With Mesothelioma Can Consult a Lawyer

Advocates argue that only a full asbestos ban can protect workers from this dangerous chemical. Research supports this idea. The conditions at chlorine plants in the United States contradict claims from industry groups about workplace safety.

No amount of asbestos exposure is safe. Any level of exposure can lead to an asbestos disease, like lung cancer or mesothelioma. People who develop an asbestos disease can talk to an experienced lawyer about their legal options.