On Sept. 18, the U.S. House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials introduced a landmark bill that, if passed, will make significant strides in eliminating asbestos exposure. H.R. 6903, the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008 will amend the existing Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the health risks posed by asbestos products.
Named for a Mesothelioma Cancer Victim
The bill is a bipartisan effort to completely stop the use of asbestos products in the U.S. Bruce Vento, a former member of the House of Representatives, died in 2001 of mesothelioma cancer, a disease for which the only confirmed cause is asbestos exposure.
The Senate Version Passed in 2007
A companion bill in the U.S. Senate, sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), was passed in late 2007. The House bill is a tougher version of the legislation, in part because it:
- Eliminates an exception for asbestos present at 1 percent or less by weight
- Makes the asbestos ban a matter of federal statute instead of Environmental Protection Agency regulation
- Adds provisions for enforcement of the legislation
The Environment and Hazardous Material Subcommittee
The House bill is under the direction of the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee and its Environment and Hazardous Material Subcommittee. Its sponsors include:
- Lois Capps (D-CA)
- Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
- G.K. Butterfield (D-NC)
- Doris Matsui (D-CA)
- Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
- Steve Cohen (D-TN)
- Gene Green (D-TX), Chairman of the Environment and Hazardous Material Subcommittee; he introduced the House bill
A finalized bill will need to be signed into law by President Bush.
(Source: Medical News Today)
Contact an Asbestos Attorney about a Mesothelioma Case
Are you or someone you love suffering from mesothelioma cancer or another asbestos cancer disease? If so, contact mesothelioma treatment centers to speak to an experienced asbestos attorney who will fight to protect your rights.
