Is Trump reversing a Biden-era asbestos ban? Here’s what we know
A microscopic image shows a sharp, needle-like asbestos fiber lodged in human lung tissue. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause severe illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer, making it one of the deadliest occupational hazards. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump is planning to reconsider a Biden-era rule banning the last type of asbestos still used in U.S. industries—specifically chrysotile asbestos, which is linked to mesothelioma and other deadly diseases.
Although rumors spread on social media in June 2025 that the Trump administration had already reversed the ban, that’s not the case.
The rule remains in effect as of this writing, though the EPA said it will review the regulation over the next 30 months.
Advocates and watchdog groups warn this move could open the door to weakening protections against a substance responsible for tens of thousands of American deaths each year.
Why is the EPA reviewing the Biden-era asbestos ban?
The backstory:
In March 2024, the Biden administration finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the manufacturing, processing, and commercial use of chrysotile asbestos—the only form of asbestos still legally used in the United States. The rule primarily affected eight U.S. facilities in the chlor-alkali industry, which uses the material in diaphragm cells to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
The EPA gave facilities in that sector five years to transition away from asbestos use, while industries like automotive parts manufacturing were given shorter phaseout deadlines.
What we know:
According to a June 16, 2025 court filing first reported by The New York Times, the EPA under Trump asked a federal court to pause litigation over the rule while it reassesses the regulation. In the filing, EPA official Lynn Dekleva said the agency would evaluate whether the ban "went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk" posed by asbestos and explore alternative measures such as long-term workplace protections.
The court filing followed a lawsuit by industry groups, including the American Chemistry Council, which argued the rule was overbroad. The EPA’s declaration did not say the rule would be reversed, only that it would undergo review through a public comment process.
What we don't know:
Snopes confirmed that, while the EPA is reconsidering the ban, it has not yet reversed it—and it remains unclear which parts, if any, may be rolled back.
- Whether the EPA will revoke the ban in full or revise only portions of it
- If the EPA plans to reconsider restrictions on other types of asbestos or related materials
- How the court will handle the industry lawsuit during the EPA’s review period
- When, exactly, any proposed changes will be released for public comment
What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?
Big picture view:
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in construction and manufacturing for its heat resistance and strength. It’s now banned in more than 50 countries due to its well-documented health risks.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to severe diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and asbestosis. According to the EPA, asbestos exposure is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Chrysotile is the only type of asbestos still allowed in the U.S., mainly in industrial applications. Other forms were phased out decades ago, and a sweeping 1989 asbestos ban was largely overturned in court in the 1990s. In 2019, the EPA put rules in place to prevent old asbestos products from reentering the market.
Could the Trump administration bring back asbestos?
The other side:
The Trump administration has not said it plans to "bring back" asbestos. The current court filing only indicates that the EPA wants to reassess the Biden-era rule.
That said, environmental groups see the move as part of a broader deregulatory trend. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has overseen a series of regulatory rollbacks since taking office, including proposed changes to greenhouse gas rules. Critics argue that the administration is prioritizing industry interests over public health.
What they're saying:
"This latest move by Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA is yet another alarming signal that this administration is operating without limits as they dole out favors to polluter lobbyists without regard for the health and well-being of people living in the US," Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, told the Associated Press.
The American Chemistry Council, which challenged the Biden ban in court, supported the EPA’s decision to reevaluate the rule, stating it should be "based on the best available science."
What might happen next with asbestos regulations?
What's next:
The EPA said its review of the rule could take around 30 months. During that time, the existing ban remains on the books. The agency has not yet announced a schedule for public hearings or proposed regulatory changes.
The court case challenging the ban has been put on hold while the EPA completes its review, but depending on the outcome, some or all of the ban could remain in place—or be revised or reversed entirely.
The Source: This report is based on a June 2025 court filing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as first reported by The New York Times and subsequently covered by the Associated Press. Additional context and fact-checking were provided by Snopes, which examined the origins and accuracy of online claims regarding the Trump administration’s potential reversal of the Biden-era asbestos ban. This story was reported from Los Angeles.