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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #191

United States

EPA final rule banning chrysotile asbestos effective 2024 under TSCA Section 6(a), with phased compliance timelines

2024Full Ban
2024
Year Banned
10.2
per million/yr
Mesothelioma Rate
~30 million
Buildings at Risk
1950s-1970s
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 1980s

    1. 1989Legislation

      EPA issues Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule under TSCA — later overturned by 5th Circuit Court (1991)

      ↗ Source

  2. 2010s

    1. 2016Regulation

      Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act reforms TSCA, giving EPA new authority over existing chemicals including asbestos

      ↗ Source
    2. 2019Regulation

      EPA Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) prevents reintroduction of asbestos products discontinued since 1989

      ↗ Source

  3. 2020s

    1. 2024Legislation

      EPA Final Rule: comprehensive ban on ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos under TSCA Section 6(a)

      ↗ Source

Key Figures in Detail

Context and sources behind the numbers

2024Ban Year

All forms of asbestos have been banned since 2024. Buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos materials.

10.2Mesothelioma Rate

10.2 cases per million people per year. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, with a latency period of 20–50 years.

This rate indicates significant historical asbestos exposure in the population.

Source year: 2020

Buildings at Risk

Estimated scope of asbestos-containing materials still present in the built environment.

~30 million

1950s-1970sPeak Usage Era

The period when asbestos was most heavily used in construction. Buildings from this era have the highest probability of containing asbestos materials.

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

vinyl-asbestos floor tiles

MODERATENon-friable

1950–1980

pipe insulation

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–1980

textured ceiling coating

HIGH RISKFriable

1950–1985

joint compound

HIGH RISKFriable

1945–1977

roof felt underlayment

MODERATENon-friable

1940–1980

cement siding
↗Learn more

What To Do If You Live Here

  • Your country has banned asbestos, but older buildings may still contain legacy materials.
  • Buildings built before the ban year may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Hire a certified asbestos surveyor before any renovation or demolition work.
  • Do not disturb older building materials without professional testing.

Check Your Property

Enter your building's age and type for a personalized asbestos risk assessment.

Check My Property's Risk

Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-13

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →