The EPA’s chrysotile asbestos ban delay is now under intense scrutiny. On June 16, 2025, the agency officially announced a 30-month review of the 2024 asbestos ban, postponing enforcement and raising concerns about worker safety and cancer risk.
This reversal—driven by new leadership under Administrator Lee Zeldin—marks a major shift in environmental health policy. It also casts new urgency on the legal, medical, and public health battles surrounding asbestos exposure and mesothelioma in the United States.
Understanding the 2024 Chrysotile Asbestos Ban
In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule banning chrysotile, the only type of asbestos still legally used in the U.S.
The rule targeted several industrial uses of chrysotile:
- Brake blocks and other vehicle friction products
- Sheet gaskets used in manufacturing and processing
- Chlor‑alkali diaphragms, which produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide
The EPA deemed these uses an “unreasonable risk” to health. The decision, 40 plus years in the making, was hailed as a historic step in asbestos regulation—one that offered long-overdue protection to workers, families, and consumers.
Why the EPA Reversed Course
As of June 2025, the EPA has paused enforcement of the chrysotile ban for up to 30 months, citing a need to reassess several factors:
- Whether the 2024 rule exceeded regulatory necessity
- If workplace safety measures could mitigate the risks
- The impact on key industries like chlorine production
During this review, industries using chrysotile—particularly chlor‑alkali plants—are free to continue operations without legal restriction. This decision effectively reopens the door to asbestos exposure across multiple sectors.
The Health Risks of Chrysotile Asbestos
Chrysotile asbestos is not a safer alternative. It is a Group 1 carcinogen, just like all other forms of asbestos. Its fibers can embed deep in lung tissue, causing irreversible damage over time.
Health risks include:
- Pleural mesothelioma (lining of the lungs)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (lining of the abdomen)
- Lung cancer and asbestosis
- Ovarian and laryngeal cancers
Thousands of Americans continue to die each year from asbestos-related diseases. These conditions often have long latency periods, meaning symptoms may not appear for decades after initial exposure.
Why Chrysotile Is Still Used in the U.S.
Despite the known health risks, chrysotile remains in use primarily because of its durability, affordability, and heat-resistant properties. It’s found in:
- Brake pads and linings
- Gaskets and sealing products
- Chlor‑alkali diaphragms used in water purification and chemical manufacturing
Roughly eight U.S. plants continued to use asbestos diaphragms in recent years – although several may have started to phase out use of the products in light of the 2024 EPA asbestos ban. Under the original 2024 rule, they had until 2036 to fully transition. The current EPA delay could stretch that deadline indefinitely.
Industry Influence vs. Public Safety
Environmental and health advocates say the EPA’s reversal favors industry profits over human lives. Many of the officials now involved in the rulemaking process have prior ties to chemical companies and trade associations.
Supporters of the delay, including the American Chemistry Council, argue for a risk-based review. But critics warn that such delays expose millions of Americans to unnecessary harm.
Organizations like the Environmental Protection Network and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization have called the delay “reckless” and “a betrayal of public health.”
How the U.S. Compares Globally
More than 60 countries have fully banned chrysotile asbestos. The United States, despite being a developed nation with world-class medical infrastructure, is now one of the few industrialized countries to allow its continued use.
While the EPA reviews its policy, nations around the world have already moved on to safer, asbestos-free alternatives. This delay sends a troubling message about regulatory priorities in the U.S.
Legal Pathways for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
For individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, the EPA’s delay could mean greater exposure risks in workplaces that were on track for compliance. A reversal by the EPA would also likely be used by industry as a defense in litigation.
What to Expect in the Next 30 Months
The EPA’s review will extend through late 2027. Until then, chrysotile use will continue as the agency evaluates its next steps.
Stakeholders will watch for:
- Public comment opportunities
- EPA scientific reassessments
- Court rulings from the 5th Circuit
- Legislation like the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act
DuBose Law Firm remains committed to advocating for those harmed by asbestos exposure. If you have questions or need legal representation, contact us today for a free consultation.
