The Senate voted unanimously in favor of a bill that would ban asbestos once and for all. If passed by the House and approved by the president, asbestos would no longer be imported, manufactured, processed or distributed in the U.S.

Long Battle

Senator Patty Murray has been fighting to get the bill passed for years but had previously run up against opposition by the White House, which was behind a Republican effort to pass a bill that would prevent asbestos victims from suing companies.

However, Murray together with the help of Senator Johnny Isakson has convinced the Republicans of the need for the ban, and she is not expecting any objections from the president.

“I have not heard a word from the president about vetoing the bill. We worked for months addressing every possible objection and I think the White House would have a very hard time vetoing this,” she said.

Saving Lives

Murray is optimistic that the ban will save “lots” of lives. Asbestos can currently be found in more than 3,000 consumer products, but after two years that will no longer be the case. It will no longer be allowed in blow dryers, ceiling tiles, brakes or other imported materials.

The legislation would also create a $50 million network of treatment centers committed to improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma . In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency would work to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos.

(Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer online)

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