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: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially exposed to asbestos
Estimated Size: 30000000
- The bill targets the ban of commercial asbestos, which historically has been used in various industries like construction and manufacturing.
- Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and exposure can lead to lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
- The health of industrial workers, construction workers, and individuals living in homes or using products with asbestos can be significantly impacted by this regulation.
- Environmental and public health organizations have long advocated for the prohibition of asbestos due to its adverse health impacts.
- The legislation will impact industries that currently use or distribute asbestos materials, necessitating a shift to alternative materials.
- Globally, many countries have already banned asbestos, so the impact outside the U.S. also includes those already in compliance with such regulations.
Reasoning
- The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act will directly affect individuals working in industries where asbestos is currently used, as well as those involved in remediation activities.
- People working in manufacturing and construction who might be exposed to asbestos, or who have family members susceptible to exposure, form a key demographic for this study.
- Homeowners and residents living in buildings constructed before the 1980s are at risk of exposure from asbestos-containing materials like insulation, roofing, and floor tiles.
- Healthcare professionals managing asbestos-related diseases will likely experience an impact on patient case numbers.
- While some individuals may not feel the impact immediately, the long-term health benefits from reduced asbestos exposure could lead to higher well-being scores in the future.
- It is essential to capture opinions from various socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting on different levels of direct risk and exposure.
Simulated Interviews
Construction Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 56 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ban is necessary for our safety.
- I've seen colleagues suffer from lung issues.
- The transition might affect jobs but is worth it in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's about time we prioritized health over profit.
- The policy should include support for those transitioning away from asbestos jobs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Attorney specializing in mesothelioma cases (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ban will decrease my case load, but it's a positive societal change.
- Clients often face dire consequences because of asbestos exposure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Office Manager in Manufacturing Firm (Jackson, MS)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about job security if the ban affects our operations.
- Health comes first, but this change needs careful planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Shipyard Worker (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The damage is already done for people like me.
- I'm glad future generations won't share my fate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Home Renovation Specialist (Austin, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The asbestos ban will change how we approach older home renovations.
- We'll need support to manage additional costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Building Inspector (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The move to ban asbestos is long overdue.
- Implementation will require careful allocation of resources to avoid missing exposed sites.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
School Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the health of my students.
- The ban should speed up renovation efforts in schools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Tech Startup Employee (Seattle, WA)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The asbestos ban won't affect me much personally.
- I support the regulation as it improves public health overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Urban Planner (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 43 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A necessary step for modern urban living.
- Policy initiatives should ensure a smooth transition for construction industries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 3: $160000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $210000000)
Year 5: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $125000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $175000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $75000000)
Key Considerations
- Implementation and enforcement of such a regulatory change require significant upfront resources and organizational effort by EPA.
- The transition period for industries affected by the ban will be critical to minimize economic disruptions.
- Public health benefits from reduced asbestos exposure may be substantial but are challenging to quantify immediately.