Bill Overview
Title: Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2022
Description: This bill generally prohibits the manufacture, process, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos or any mixture or article containing commercial asbestos and requires the Environmental Protection Agency to publicize the prohibition and provide assistance to those who must comply with the prohibition.
Sponsors: Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Target Audience
Population: People exposed to asbestos globally
Estimated Size: 1000000
- Asbestos has been used in various industries including construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
- Workers in industries that previously relied on asbestos will be directly impacted by the ban.
- Populations exposed to asbestos, either occupationally or environmentally, are at risk for health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
- The global population includes not only workers but also residents living near asbestos-using facilities, consumers of products containing asbestos, and the environment.
- The global health community has recognized asbestos as a carcinogen affecting millions worldwide.
- Asbestos is present in building materials, friction products, and insulation, which are globally distributed.
Reasoning
- The policy impacts industries and workers historically associated with asbestos usage, notably in construction and manufacturing. It's important to simulate the experiences of workers across these sectors.
- Additionally, communities near asbestos processing plants or older buildings containing asbestos may experience health or economic impacts.
- The policy's budget will need to focus assistance on industries and communities directly affected, ensuring both compliance with the ban and support for health impacts.
- The policy's impact on consumer products containing asbestos is also relevant, though less direct for individual consumers compared to industry workers.
- It's crucial to consider the policy's reach beyond immediate occupational hazards, affecting environmental exposure and public health at large.
Simulated Interviews
Construction Worker (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's about time they ban asbestos; we've known it's dangerous for a long time.
- I'm worried about finding work if they stop using materials I'm familiar with.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Environmental Activist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a huge win for public health and the environment.
- I'm thrilled that more people will be protected from this silent killer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Industrial Worker (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about my job security after the asbestos ban.
- But I'm also hopeful for a healthier work environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Public Health Official (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a necessary step to safeguard public health.
- We need more resources to assist affected workers transition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Shipyard Worker (Houston, Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad future workers will be safer, but I worry about what's already been done to my health.
- It's a bit late for many who are already suffering.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Product Safety Expert (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This brings us closer to safer consumer products.
- There may be challenges for companies, but it's worth it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Building Inspector (Miami, Florida)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ban will make my job easier and safer in the long run.
- We need clear guidelines on replacing asbestos with safer materials.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Landlord (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the cost implications of asbestos removal for my properties.
- Hoping for financial assistance or incentives to comply with the ban.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Lawyer specializing in toxic tort cases (New York, New York)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ban could reduce future caseloads related to asbestos exposure.
- It may also lead to new legal challenges during the transition phase.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
EPA Regulatory Affairs Officer (Rural Oregon)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Implementing the ban will be challenging but necessary.
- We need to ensure accessibility of safer alternatives for impacted communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $125000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $160000000)
Year 3: $100000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $135000000)
Year 5: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $110000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- Compliance costs can vary significantly across industries, impacting overall economic burden.
- Long-term public health improvements can result in cost savings beyond the direct financial metrics considered here.
- Global trends toward banning asbestos mean that industries will likely need to adapt regardless of domestic legislation.