Advocates for mesothelioma victims hope other major companies do the same
For decades, the chemical industry has opposed a full ban on asbestos, a known cancer-causing agent that has taken the lives of thousands of Americans. However, a major chemical corporation recently reversed its position, stating that it no longer objects to a ban on asbestos in the United States.
Olin Corporation, a Missouri-based chemical company producing chlorine, is one of the few U.S. manufacturers still using asbestos. The company had previously lobbied against efforts to ban asbestos before changing its tune in a letter to the EPA in April 2023.
The decision to reverse course comes after years of mounting evidence that asbestos is a deadly carcinogen and more recent accusations of toxic exposure at a company plant. Workers at the Olin chemical plant in McIntosh, Alabama, alleged that the company exposed them to asbestos for long periods, sometimes without protective gear and without being informed about the presence of asbestos or the health risks.
Asbestos causes lung cancer and mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is resistant to heat and fire. It was once widely used in construction and other industries until the U.S. issued a partial ban in 1989. Asbestos can cause many serious health problems, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States.
Olin pledges to support a federal asbestos ban
Olin's change of position comes when the U.S. is considering a more restrictive ban on asbestos than the 1989 rule that made specific uses of the substance illegal. The proposed Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act would ban the mining, importation, processing, and distribution of asbestos and asbestos-containing products nationwide. Under review by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the bill is named after a mesothelioma victim and prominent advocate for a complete asbestos ban. The proposal has the support of many health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association.
The decision by the chemical corporation to reverse its position on asbestos is a victory for those who have been fighting to ban the substance. If approved, the ban would save thousands of lives and prevent millions of cases of asbestos-related disease.
Olin's CEO said the company had "a moral obligation" to support the ban. This pledge of support was issued several months after a news investigation revealed that Olin was one of several chemical corporations that had lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow them to continue using asbestos in their products, despite its well-known health risks. The investigation also found that Olin had played a significant role in preventing the federal government from banning asbestos in the past.
The legal experience asbestos lung cancer victims need
Olin's position change is a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning. There is still much work to be done to protect workers and the public from the dangers of asbestos.
Should the ban be approved, it could help future generations, but too many people have already been made seriously ill due to asbestos exposure.
If you or a family member are over 62 and were diagnosed with lung cancer in the last 10 years, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other losses. Contact the Ferrell Law Group for a free consultation. We have the knowledge and experience to help you determine if you have a case. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on your health and the things that matter most to you.
Our asbestos lung cancer lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for our clients and their families. A member of our team is available to hear from you anytime, day or night. Contact us now for a free consultation.