2025 USGS Report: Asbestos Phase-out Continues, but Hazards Persist

1: Asbestos Use in the U.S. Continues to Decline

In 2024, U.S. asbestos consumption dropped to an estimated 110 metric tons. That’s down from 150 metric tons in 2023. This continues a long decline from the hundreds of thousands of tons used each year during the 1900s.

All asbestos used last year came from existing stockpiles. The U.S. hasn’t produced asbestos since 2002. In its annual reports from 2023 and 2024, it did not disclose any asbestos imports. This means no asbestos imports were recorded between January 2023 and September 2024 (the latest reporting date). Prior to this, the United States was still importing some asbestos for use in a small number of industries.

The ongoing drop in use comes from stronger rules, more lawsuits and growing concern about asbestos health risks. It may also suggest that stockpiled supplies are running low.

2: Remaining Industrial Use in Chlorine Production

Most asbestos still used in the U.S. goes to 2 chlorine production companies, Olin and OxyChem. These facilities rely on the diaphragm process, which separates chlorine gas during manufacturing. Until 2024, that method used chrysotile asbestos — the last form allowed under U.S. law.

Both companies have faced criticism over worker safety. Public health groups and reporters have raised concerns about exposure risks. In 2022, ProPublica detailed health problems reported by former OxyChem workers. The investigation described how raw asbestos was poorly stored, handled and cleaned up at the plant.

3: EPA Finalized Chrysotile Asbestos Ban

The EPA released a final rule on March 18, 2024, banning all ongoing U.S. uses of chrysotile asbestos. It was the first rule completed under the 2016 updates to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The ban would include a phased timeline:

• Chlor‑alkali plants must stop using asbestos immediately.
• Other manufacturers would have 6 months from May 28, 2024, to stop using chrysotile asbestos.
• Plants converting multiple facilities would have up to 12 years, with required progress reports.

The rule marks a major shift in U.S. asbestos policy. In 2025, the Trump administration’s EPA began reviewing parts of the ban. Lawmakers and health experts have criticized efforts to undo the ban. They warn that reopening the rule could weaken protections and slow progress.

4: Shift Toward Asbestos Alternatives

Asbestos use is going down. Many industries are now using other manufacturing materials for compliance and safety. These materials can fill similar roles in brake pads, fireproofing, gaskets and insulation. The substitute depends on the industry, but many of these materials are now replacing asbestos.

Lawsuits, EPA findings and public concern over health risks are pushing this shift. Still, some substitutes raise concerns of their own. For example, talc often appears in products but can easily be contaminated with asbestos. These risks raise questions about its long-term safety.

What the 2025 Report Means for Public Health and Asbestos Diseases

Risks from older buildings and contaminated products still exist. Some industries and workplaces today pose ongoing risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos diseases can take decades to manifest. That’s one reason why many people are often diagnosed years after contact. Mesothelioma patients and their families are still navigating the effects of past exposure.

Legal action continues to shape how companies manage these risks. Lawsuits have helped raise awareness, improve labeling and limit asbestos use across industries. These actions aid in protecting public health.

Asbestos victims need access to clear information, timely medical care and legal support. These resources help people understand their options and protect their health and rights. Awareness and early detection are crucial, especially for anyone who has faced asbestos risks at home, school or work.