Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos And Prevent Mesothelioma Act Of 2008 Is Passed
The House of Representatives made a landmark decision to pass a bill that will work to stop the use of asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma cancer. Named for former House of Representatives member Bruce Vento, who died of mesothelioma in 2001, the bill is a groundbreaking step towards a complete U.S. ban on asbestos use.
Sponsored by Chairman Gene Green (D-TX) the bill is an amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act and will fund public health programs that will provide asbestos education to the public.
Asbestos-usage regulations were put into effect over 20 years ago, but a complete ban on use of this highly toxic substance is not yet in place in the U.S.
The Act supports to prompt passage of The Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2007 (H.R. 3339), sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN).
In October 2007, the Senate companion bill, sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), passed. The House bill toughened the legislation, under the direction of the Environment and Hazardous Material Subcommittee of the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee, eliminating an exception for asbestos present at 1 percent or less by weight, making the ban a matter of federal statute rather than EPA regulation, and adding enforcement provisions.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment , subscribe to the feed or TrackBack this entry .
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment