Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Annalisa Merelli
Published on 2024-03-20 18:29:45
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a new rule that puts an end to the use of asbestos in the United States, a known carcinogen. This ban covers all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile asbestos, which is still in use in the U.S. in products such as brake linings and caustic soda. The use of asbestos has been linked to several types of cancers, including mesothelioma, leading to thousands of deaths each year. While asbestos has been banned in 55 countries, the U.S. had a ban in 1989 that was reversed in 1991, leaving varying regulations by state.
The comprehensive EPA ban on asbestos is a significant step towards protecting human health in the future, according to Ian Blair, a professor of pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania. However, the effects of the ban may not be seen for decades due to the long latency period of diseases like mesothelioma. Researchers are still trying to understand how asbestos causes cancer, with the common theory being that asbestos fibers accumulate in the lungs, causing irritation and oxidative stress over time.
Estimating the number of deaths and illnesses directly linked to asbestos exposure is challenging, but the EPA stated that asbestos is linked to 40,000 deaths per year. Because the fibers are what pose the danger, certain uses of asbestos, like brake linings, are more hazardous due to the release of stray fibers during continuous friction.
Despite the ban, the import of products containing asbestos may still occur through legal loopholes, adding to the challenge of completely eliminating asbestos exposure. Patients who have or will develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure still face limited treatment options and a poor prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of only 12%.
While there are some promising developments, such as blood-based biomarkers and genetic variants linked to mesothelioma susceptibility, more research is needed to improve early detection and prognosis. Emanuela Taioli, director of the Institute for Translational Epidemiology at Icahn School of Medicine, believes the EPA’s ban on asbestos is just the beginning, and more research is needed on other harmful fibers and naturally occurring asbestos found in rocks.
In conclusion, while the EPA’s ban on asbestos is a significant step towards protecting public health, the effects of the ban may not be seen for many years. Continued research and awareness are vital to addressing the long-term health consequences of asbestos exposure and improving treatment options for affected individuals.
