Russian Asbestos Producer Praises U.S. Policy, Puts Trump on Products

The story

A Russian asbestos producer is so delighted with President Donald Trump’s decision not to ban asbestos that it is adorning its products with his face and the slogan, “Approved by Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States.”

Health risks

Asbestos, a fibrous silicate mineral that the U.S. once used widely in industrial and commercial purposes such as construction, causes diseases that kill an estimated 15,000 Americans a year. A recent study found that the death toll from asbestos exposure may be much higher, at nearly 40,000 Americans a year and more than 255,000 a year worldwide.

While 60 nations have banned asbestos altogether, the Environmental Protection Agency just significantly relaxed its oversight of asbestos use.

In his 1997 book, The Art of the Comeback, Trump described asbestos as “100% safe, once applied,” and claimed the movement against asbestos was led by the mob.

Russia’s interest

The asbestos company, Uralasbest, is reported to have close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump is currently meeting.

In 2016, roughly 95 percent of asbestos the U.S. imported came from Brazil, but Brazil then joined the growing group of countries banning the product due to health risks. Russia appears poised to fill the void.

Uralasbest recently posted on Facebook about these developments:

Here’s the translation:

“Donald is on our side! … He supported the head of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, who stated that his agency would no longer deal with negative effects potentially derived from products containing asbestos. Donald Trump supported a specialist and called asbestos ‘100% safe after application.’”

What do you think?

Should the EPA regulate asbestos more strictly, or is relaxed oversight appropriate? Does the Russian connection raise concerns, or is that just a normal feature of international trade? Hit Take Action to tell your reps what you think, then share your thoughts below.

—Sara E. Murphy

(Photo Credit: Uralasbest)