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Published on: December 21, 2019
Asbestos products, hazards, and regulation
1bcastleman@earthlink.net
Summary
Asbestos remains in many U.S. products, with limited hazard data. Corporate liability concerns suppress public health guidance and scientific knowledge on asbestos risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Safety
- Toxicology
Background:
- Asbestos is present in numerous U.S. products, with ongoing import and domestic production.
- Information on the specific hazards of many asbestos-containing products is limited.
- Corporate liability concerns influence public health guidance and scientific publication regarding asbestos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the suppression and emergence of scientific knowledge concerning asbestos.
- To examine the impact of regulation and liability on asbestos safety information.
- To discuss examples of asbestos use and contamination in various products.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of legal discovery of corporate documents related to asbestos use and exposure.
- Review of scientific literature, including articles influenced by liability concerns.
- Examination of specific product categories and contamination issues.
Main Results:
- Corporate documents reveal asbestos use and exposures not previously published.
- Liability concerns have led to efforts to curtail public health guidance on asbestos.
- Scientific literature has seen publications denying established asbestos hazards, particularly concerning automotive friction materials.
- Asbestos contamination is noted in vinyl-asbestos flooring, feminine hygiene products, talc, and vermiculite.
Conclusions:
- The interplay of regulation and liability significantly impacts the dissemination and suppression of scientific knowledge on asbestos hazards.
- Continued marketing of asbestos products globally necessitates ongoing efforts to manage associated risks.
- Further research and transparent communication are crucial to address the full spectrum of asbestos-related health risks.
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