ADAO officials issue statements about TSCA reform
Linda Reinstein and Dr. Richard Lemen of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) released statements concerning draft legislation to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), a law that has not been updated since it was enacted in 1976.
ADAO President Linda Reinstein stated that the TSCA does not protect Americans because it has been unable to regulate and ban asbestos, a known carcinogen. Over 10,000 Americans die each year due to asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos has been found in consumer products such as baby powder and children’s toys, and it contaminates homes, schools and businesses across the country. She wishes to work with legislators to improve the TSCA reform discussion draft to prevent further asbestos exposure.
ADAO Science Advisory Board Co-Chair Richard Lemen, former Assistant Surgeon General, stated that an asbestos ban is long overdue in the United States. Over 50 other countries, including the European Union, have banned asbestos. Along with the WHO, EPA, NIOSH, IPCS and IARC, every major independent scientific body in the world agrees that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. A ban on asbestos is the only scientifically suitable method to control asbestos-related disease. He added that, because the new TSCA proposed bill does not include an asbestos ban, the U.S. is missing a critical opportunity to prevent Americans from contracting and dying of asbestos-related diseases.
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