Thursday, August 2nd, 2007.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) has introduced the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 (H.R. 3339), which will finally ban asbestos in the United States and expand prevention, research, and treatment for asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.

"It's long past time that our country banned asbestos," McCollum said. "After decades of widespread and unknowing exposure to this deadly substance, Americans should be able to rest assured that they are no longer at risk of having their lives cut short by asbestos exposure."

Former Minnesota Congressman Bruce Vento died in 2000 from pleural mesothelioma, likely caused by minimal contact with asbestos while working in factories as a young man. Vento represented Minnesota's Fourth District from 1977 to 2000.

"Bruce would be so proud to know that his friend and successor is leading the way in the House for passage of a bill that will ban asbestos, increase public awareness of the very real risks related to asbestos and fund critically needed medical research for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases," said Sue Vento, wife of the former Congressman. "Rep. McCollum's legislation is definitely needed and is much appreciated by those who have experienced the devastation of mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos."

Asbestos is a carcinogen found in construction and consumer products. It has no known safe level of exposure and leads to lung damage and life-threatening diseases, of which mesothelioma is the most deadly. Despite these dangers, asbestos is not banned in the United States, which consumed 26 million pounds of the deadly mineral in 2001 in the form of roofing materials, brake pads, gaskets, and other products. Tens of millions of Americans have been exposed to significant amounts of asbestos since 1940 – many of them unknowingly – and up to 10,000 continue to die each year from that exposure.

The Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 will:

• Prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing or distribution of products containing asbestos in the United States, ensuring that all asbestos-containing products are off our shelves within two years.
• Dramatically expand medical knowledge, research, and treatment for asbestos-related diseases through a nationwide Asbestos-Related Disease Research and Treatment Network, an expanded national disease registry, and a study on the most promising areas for new research. Require the Pentagon to conduct additional research on asbestos-related diseases in response to the estimated one-third of mesothelioma victims who were exposed to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Navy.
• Launch a major public education campaign to inform the public about the dangers of asbestos and raise awareness about prevention and treatment.

H.R. 3339 was introduced with the bipartisan support of 34 original cosponsors. A companion bill (S. 742) has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and was unanimously approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Tuesday, July 31.

Links

• Fact sheet on asbestos (PDF)
• Full text of the bill

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Posted: Thursday, August 2nd, 2007 at 3:50 pm; filed under Asbestos Legislation.

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