The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Action Fund recently released an analysis of federal trade data that more than eight million pounds of asbestos have entered U.S. ports since 2006. In response to this disturbing information, the Action Fund has established a national campaign called Asbestos Nation, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of this deadly substance and the public health threat it poses. The group also urges policymakers in Washington to take appropriate steps to ban the use of asbestos, including shipments of the hazardous material into U.S. seaports.
Between 2006 and 2014, more than 8.2 million pounds of raw asbestos entered 23 U.S. ports, according to records obtained by the EWG Action Fund. While port records are not accessible to the public, the EWG Action Fund was able to gain access through a paid subscription to a proprietary database. This database revealed that over 7.6 million pounds of raw asbestos entered ports in New Orleans and Houston, and more than 600,000 pounds in Newark, Long Beach, and four other ports. In addition to raw asbestos, over 100 shipments of asbestos products and asbestos hazardous waste entered seaports in Long Beach and Los Angeles. From those ports, shipments of asbestos were delivered to industrial facilities, wholesalers and waste dumps in 29 states via rail or truck.
EPA Continues the Fight to have Lawmakers Ban Asbestos Imports
According to Heather White of the EWF Action Fund, in 1989, officials at the Environmental Protection Agency attempted to ban asbestos, including imports, under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. Unfortunately, the ban was dismissed by the federal appeals court after a challenge by the asbestos industry. The court claimed that the EPA did not provide adequate information to warrant a ban of asbestos as a public health threat.
The Action Fund campaign continues to push for full transparency from the asbestos industry and urges Congress and the Obama administration to take action by banning asbestos imports. Asbestos is a deadly substance which contributes to approximately 10,000 deaths each year in the U.S., including individuals who were not exposed in a job-related environment. Inhaling asbestos can cause asbestosis, and extremely painful scarring of the lungs, as well as mesothelioma, an incurable cancer that can affect the lungs, heart, or stomach.
New Jersey Asbestos Lawyers at Shein Law Advocate for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you love is suffering from an asbestos-related disease, the experienced New Jersey asbestos lawyers at Shein Law will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Our knowledgeable, professional legal team will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine who is responsible for your asbestos exposure and hold them accountable. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey we serve clients throughout both states. Call us today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to discuss your case with a qualified New Jersey asbestos lawyer.