Legislation that Bans Asbestos is Watered-Down, Backers Say

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on November 14, 2007

Public health experts originally testified in support of the proposal, which initially imposed a complete ban on all asbestos products when it was created. But backers said that sometime between its creation and the Senate vote in October, the bill was diluted in favor of industry lobbyists to the point that activists no longer support it.

Many products that contain asbestos are no longer included in the ban, such as tainted children's modeling clay, contaminated home insulation, and asbestos-containing products for road, airport, and other public goods construction.

Even so, Sen. Patty Murray, who passionately sponsored the legislation for six years, said the bill is a huge step forward in the fight against asbestos, which kills people by the thousands. She added that she would have a 100 percent ban if she did not have to worry about getting other votes.

However, activists like Richard Lemen, former assistant surgeon general who once supported the bill, said the public has been given a false sense of hope and will be put at risk for mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold hearings on the bill early next month.

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