Many Americans know that asbestos is dangerous. They also may know it was widely used in products like insulation.
But after that? Much of what you know — or think you know — about asbestos is actually a myth.
Separating asbestos facts from fiction might have much greater consequences than you think. Put simply, asbestos kills, and awareness about its dangers can save lives.
With Global Asbestos Awareness Week in full swing, we're continuing our mission to advocate for victims of asbestos-related diseases by debunking the myths that surround asbestos use. For the rest of the week, we’ll be releasing a video each day that debunks a different asbestos myth. Here's #1:
MYTH: Asbestos Has Been Banned And Is No Longer Used
Despite its known dangers, asbestos has NOT been banned in the United States.
More than 70 countries around the world have banned asbestos, but the US is not one of them. In fact, in 2018 American imports of raw asbestos doubled to more than 750 metric tons. Countless schools, factories, homes and buildings across the country still contain asbestos in their walls, paint, insulation, and other materials. Many manufacturers continue to use asbestos in brake and clutch linings, roofing materials, gaskets and other products.
While the US is more heavily regulating asbestos use, we're still nowhere near a complete ban of this dangerous carcinogen.
Show Your Support Online
To support the efforts of Asbestos Awareness Week 2021, we'll release a new video separating facts from fiction with regards to asbestos. Follow along here, as well as on our Facebook and Twitter accounts, to like, share, and show your support for victims of asbestos-related diseases.
