Fact Check: The reconsideration process for the chrysotile asbestos ban by the Trump administration is expected to take about 30 months.

Fact Check: "The reconsideration process for the chrysotile asbestos ban by the Trump administration is expected to take about 30 months."

What We Know

The claim regarding the 30-month reconsideration process for the chrysotile asbestos ban stems from a filing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration. This filing indicated that the agency plans to delay the enforcement of the ban and that the reconsideration process is expected to take approximately 30 months (New York Times). The ban itself was part of a broader regulatory framework established under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which was amended in 2016 to enhance chemical safety measures (EPA).

Chrysotile asbestos, the only form of asbestos still used in the U.S., has been linked to serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, leading to over 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. (EPA). The reconsideration process is significant as it could halt the implementation of the ban, which health advocates have fought for over decades (New York Times).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as it is directly sourced from official communications from the EPA and reputable news outlets. The New York Times reported that the EPA's filing explicitly stated that the reconsideration process for the chrysotile asbestos ban would take about 30 months (New York Times). This aligns with the agency's broader regulatory review process, which has been influenced by the previous administration's policies.

The reliability of the sources is high. The EPA is a federal agency responsible for environmental protection and has the authority to regulate substances like asbestos. The New York Times is a well-established news organization known for its investigative journalism and fact-checking standards. The information presented in their articles is typically corroborated by multiple sources and is subject to editorial oversight.

However, it is important to note that the context surrounding this claim involves political and regulatory complexities. The Trump administration's approach to environmental regulations has been criticized by health advocates and environmental groups, who argue that such delays could jeopardize public health (New York Times).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that the reconsideration process for the chrysotile asbestos ban by the Trump administration is expected to take about 30 months is accurate. The information is supported by credible sources, including the EPA's own filings and reputable news reports. The timeline provided by the EPA indicates a significant delay in enforcing the ban, which has raised concerns among health advocates regarding the potential risks to public health.

Sources

1. Biden-Harris Administration finalizes ban on ongoing uses ...
2. E.P.A. Plans to Reconsider a Ban on Cancer-Causing Asbestos
3. E.P.A. Plans to Reconsider a Ban on Cancer-Causing Asbestos
4. Trump Administration Live Updates: Judge Rules ...
5. 5th Circuit Halts Challenges to EPA Asbestos Ban Amid Regulatory Review
6. Asbestos and paint stripper chemical rule lawsuits in limbo
7. EPA's Asbestos Ban Under The Trump Administration
8. Chrysotile asbestos finally banned in the US after decades of EPA ...