After a long battle, the “Ban Asbestos in America Act” was finally passed in the Senate in October, much to the relief of advocates for asbestos victims and many others fighting to cease use of the known carcinogen. Celebrations for the ban will have to wait, however, since the final draft of the bill fails to block all asbestos-containing products. As a result, many who initially favored the bill are now disputing its approval. In early October, every Senate member voted for the Act, first introduced by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Scientists and physicians supported it as well, along with victims and widows who have suffered from the effects of the dangerous substance. Proponents of the bill were disappointed to learn that the language had been watered down and much of what they had fought for had been omitted.
