MORE THAN 40 COUNTRIES BAN ASBESTOS

Due to the on-going dangers of using asbestos, the World Health Organization reports that more than 40 countries have banned or are phasing out the use of asbestos.

I believe the United States should squarely address the asbestos problem. That is why I am a strong supporter of Senator Murray’s bill, S. 742, the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007, which would accomplish this goal here in the United States.

In scores of nations, products that used to be made with asbestos now are being made without it. I have great faith in American ingenuity, and strongly believe that these products can be made here from safer materials as well.

This hearing’s focus is clear. It is on people, and the terrible price they continue to pay because asbestos is being used, despite the availability of safer alternatives.