Key Takeaways
- Countries that banned asbestos decades ago have seen a significant decrease in the incidence rate of mesothelioma — providing evidence that bans do eventually reduce cases.
- However, the total number of cases remains relatively stagnant in many countries because of mesothelioma’s long latency period — people being diagnosed today were exposed 30 to 50 years ago, before the bans took effect.
- The United States did not fully ban asbestos until March 2024, when the EPA prohibited the ongoing use of chrysotile asbestos. A 1989 partial ban had been largely overturned by a court decision in 1991.
- We will not fully know the effects of the U.S. ban on mesothelioma cases for decades — but based on patterns from other countries, it should eventually help reduce new cases.
- Even before the full ban, asbestos use in the U.S. had been limited — but existing asbestos in buildings, infrastructure, and products continues to pose risks. The ban prohibits new use but does not require removal of what is already in place.
- Workers who were exposed to asbestos by negligent employers before the dangers were publicly known may still be able to file lawsuits or claims against asbestos trust funds — even if the responsible company is no longer in business.
Throughout the world, many countries have implemented an asbestos ban to mitigate the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material. It is also a carcinogen. Breathing in any amount of asbestos can ultimately lead to an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer. Decades ago, many countries implemented a ban on asbestos, but did this cause the number of mesothelioma cases to go down?
Earlier this year, in 2024, the United States implemented a ban on asbestos, following in the footsteps of other countries who had previously done so. More is known when it comes to the impact of the asbestos bans that other countries have implemented and the resulting number of mesothelioma cases. This is because mesothelioma has a long latency period of usually at least 10 years. However, the latency period can be as long as 50 years.
Decrease in Mesothelioma Cases?
Industrialized countries who have implemented a ban on asbestos have seen a significant decrease in the number of mesothelioma cases. In the 1980s and 90s many countries decided to ban or heavily restrict the use of asbestos within their borders. However, the US did not fully ban asbestos until this year.
It is important to note that although bans on asbestos have caused a decrease in the overall incidence of mesothelioma cases per 100,000, the number of cases is still relatively stagnant. This is because of the latency period for developing mesothelioma. Most people who are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease will not get this diagnosis until they are in their 70s. However, if they are 70 in 2024, most of their exposure to asbestos probably took place in their 20s and 30s – 40 to 50 years earlier. This is before most of the asbestos bans were put in place.
Who is Most Likely to Get Mesothelioma?
Most people will develop mesothelioma because of the occupation that they worked. Certain jobs exposed workers to asbestos in their daily lives. Some of these occupations include but are not limited to:
- Construction workers
- Pipefitters
- Shipyard workers
- Insulators
Asbestos was widely used in these industries because it was a good insulator. These jobs required workers to work with asbestos insulation throughout their day, exposing them to high levels of the carcinogen.
Navy veterans are also at a much higher risk than the rest of the population for developing mesothelioma as Navy ships were laden with asbestos.
EPA
In March of 2024 the US officially placed a ban on the ongoing use of asbestos within the country, as announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) In 1989 the EPA placed a ban on asbestos, but this was struck down to a large degree by a 1991 court decision.
We will not fully know the effects of the asbestos ban on mesothelioma cases in the US until decades from now. However, based on the patterns that occurred within other countries that have previously banned asbestos, we can hope that it will help people from getting asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma.
Another important thing to note is that although asbestos was not fully banned in the US until this year, its uses were limited. This is because the public now knows the dangers of asbestos and big companies can no longer get away with exposing their workers to the material.
Negligence of Companies
Before the dangers of asbestos were fully known by the public, employers and manufacturers alike would routinely expose workers to asbestos, knowing of its dangers. Once people started connecting the dots there were many lawsuits. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease you can file a lawsuit against the negligent companies, if they are still in business. Many companies that are no longer in business have put money into an asbestos trust fund. This means that you can still be compensated by filing a claim with an asbestos trust.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we are here to help. Our website offers useful information regarding types of asbestos-related diseases, hospitals to treat at in Pennsylvania, a variety of different treatment options, and more. For more information or for legal help, please call us at (800) 505-6000 or simply fill out our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has banning asbestos reduced mesothelioma cases in other countries?
Yes. Industrialized countries that banned asbestos in the 1980s and 1990s have seen a significant decrease in the incidence rate (cases per 100,000 people) of mesothelioma over time. However, because of mesothelioma’s long latency period of 20 to 50 years, the total number of new cases each year has remained relatively stable — the people being diagnosed today were exposed decades before the bans took effect. The full impact of a ban takes generations to be fully realized.
When did the United States ban asbestos?
The EPA enacted a partial ban in 1989, but a court ruling in 1991 overturned most of it. The U.S. did not implement a comprehensive ban until March 2024, when the EPA finalized a rule banning the ongoing import, processing, and commercial use of chrysotile asbestos — the only type still regularly used in the country. This made the U.S. one of the last major industrialized nations to implement a full asbestos ban.
Will the 2024 ban immediately reduce mesothelioma cases in the U.S.?
Not immediately. Because mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, the effects of the 2024 ban will not be fully measurable for decades. People who were exposed to asbestos in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s are still being diagnosed today — and will continue to be diagnosed for years to come. However, based on the patterns seen in countries that banned asbestos earlier, the ban should eventually lead to a meaningful reduction in new cases over the long term.
Does the ban require removal of existing asbestos?
No. The 2024 EPA ban prohibits new import, processing, and commercial use of chrysotile asbestos — but it does not require the removal of asbestos that is already installed in buildings, schools, infrastructure, or products. This means that people in the United States — including in Pennsylvania — continue to live, work, and attend school in structures that contain asbestos. Existing asbestos remains safe when intact and undisturbed, but poses risks when it deteriorates or is disturbed during renovation or demolition.
Who is still at risk for mesothelioma despite the ban?
Several groups remain at risk even after the ban:
- People exposed decades ago — workers who handled asbestos in the 1960s through 1990s are still in their latency period and may be diagnosed in the coming years
- Construction and renovation workers — anyone who disturbs existing asbestos in older buildings during their work
- Residents of older buildings — deteriorating asbestos in homes, schools, and public buildings can release fibers
- Family members — secondary exposure from contaminated clothing remains a historical risk, and families of currently exposed workers are also at risk
Can I still file a claim if the company that exposed me is out of business?
Yes. Many companies that manufactured or used asbestos have gone bankrupt, but they were often required to establish asbestos trust funds as part of their bankruptcy proceedings. These trust funds were specifically created to compensate current and future asbestos victims. There are dozens of active asbestos trust funds in the United States, collectively holding billions of dollars. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can identify which trusts may apply to your case based on your exposure history.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, understanding your treatment options and legal rights is a critical first step. Even if your asbestos exposure occurred decades ago, compensation may still be available through lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
