For the first time in history, the United States Congress has passed legislation that could ban the use of asbestos in this country.
Most people don’t know that asbestos — the only only known cause of mesothelioma cancer — is still used in products in the United States. However, if approved by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by the President, the landmark decision in the U.S. House of Representatives will work to stop the practice.
Named for former House of Representatives member Bruce Vento, who died of mesothelioma in 2001, the bill is a groundbreaking step towards a complete U.S. ban on asbestos use.
The bill was sponsored by Chairman Gene Green (D-TX)and is an amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act and will fund public health programs that will provide asbestos education to the public.
Asbestos-usage regulations were put into effect over 20 years ago, but a complete ban on use of this highly toxic substance is not yet in place in the U.S.