The Trump administration has unexpectedly withdrawn its plan to rewrite a ban on chrysotile asbestos, the last type of asbestos still used in the United States. The decision, announced Monday, July 7, 2025, in a court filing, reverses a move that could have wrongfully and unnecessarily delayed implementation of the ban for several years.

Here’s what you should know about the proposed delay, the ban itself, and how to take action if you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos exposure.

A Win for Public Health

On March 18, 2024, the EPA under President Biden adopted a ban on the manufacture, import, and use of chrysotile asbestos. The rule was the first legal constraint on asbestos since Congress strengthened the Toxic Substances Control Act in 2016. Though the rule allowed some companies up to twelve years to phase out use of the deadly mineral—following lobbying by groups like the American Chemistry Council—it was a major step toward ending asbestos use.

Then, on Monday, June 16, 2025, the EPA stated in a filing with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that the Trump administration was reconsidering the rule. The review was expected to take about 30 months.

That reconsideration has now been withdrawn after a deserved public outcry, preserving a hard-fought milestone in protecting public health.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos, is banned in over 50 countries due to its well-established link to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Insurance industry and big corporation advocates have a long-standing history of denying chrysotile’s ability to cause mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, spending hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to improperly influence scientists, doctors, and government agencies in this manufactured, cynical dispute.

The overwhelming evidence is that chrysotile kills.

Asbestos use became widespread in the 20th century, especially in construction and consumer products. Its resistance to heat and fire made it popular in homes, schools, hospitals, and offices. By the 1960s and 1970s, researchers began to associate asbestos exposure with severe health issues, including mesothelioma.

Domestic asbestos production ended in 2002, but the US still imports the mineral, much of it from Brazil. An estimated 40,000 people in the United States die annually from asbestos-related illnesses.

Take Action With the O’Brien Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure, don’t delay in seeking the compensation you may be entitled to. The O’Brien Law Firm has a wealth of experience handling asbestos-related cases nationwide. With a deep understanding of the legal landscape and a commitment to fighting for victims’ rights, our attorneys are ready to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule your FREE consultation today by filling out our online contact form or calling (314) 588-0558!