Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025

Ban on Commercial Asbestos: Under Section 2 (adding section 6(j)(3) to the Toxic Substances Control Act), the bill prohibits the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution in commerce of commercial asbestos and related mixtures or articles starting on the date of enactment. This could benefit the public by stopping the creation and spread of harmful asbestos materials.

Disposal and Existing Structures Protected: Under Section 2 (adding section 6(j)(1)(B)(ii) to the Toxic Substances Control Act), the distribution rules exclude the end-use of mixtures or articles already installed in buildings or equipment before enactment, as well as the distribution of items solely for legal disposal. This ensures people are not penalized for existing materials while allowing safe disposal.

Strict National Security Safeguards: Under Section 2 (adding section 6(j)(5) to the Toxic Substances Control Act), the President can only grant a national security exemption if there is no feasible alternative and it is truly necessary for national security. Furthermore, these exemptions must be published in the Federal Register, and any conditions placed on them must aim to reduce exposure to commercial asbestos as much as possible, holding officials accountable for transparency.

Continued Use in the Chlor-Alkali Industry: Under Section 2 (adding section 6(j)(4) to the Toxic Substances Control Act), owners and operators of chlor-alkali facilities operating on the date of enactment are allowed to keep using, holding, or processing commercial asbestos fibers to manufacture diaphragms until January 1, 2030. This means some exposure risks will continue in these specific industrial settings for several more years.

National Security Exemptions May Allow Exposure: Under Section 2 (adding section 6(j)(5) to the Toxic Substances Control Act), the President is granted the authority to exempt certain activities from the asbestos ban for national security reasons for up to three years, with an option for a single three-year extension. While terms and conditions will be applied to reduce exposure, this provision still permits the ongoing use and distribution of commercial asbestos.