Bias Watch: Is Trump Bringing Back Asbestos?

It’s easy to assume you’ve got the full picture—especially when headlines confirm what you already believe. But when it comes to issues like asbestos policy (yes, we’re still talking about asbestos in 2025), the story is more layered than it first appears. 

Reading outside your bubble doesn’t mean abandoning your values—it means challenging assumptions, spotting blind spots, and getting closer to the full truth. Because let’s be honest: if the words “Trump” and “asbestos” are in the same sentence, your opinion probably loads before the page does.

The basics

In March 2024, the EPA under Biden banned chrysotile asbestos—the last type of asbestos still used in the US. However, recent reports in 2025 suggest that a second Trump administration could review or reverse parts of that ban, citing potential industrial uses. Nothing’s changed yet, but it’s kicked off a fresh round of “Wait, we’re still talking about asbestos?” across the internet.

On the left

Democratic voices have sounded the alarm, warning that reversing the asbestos ban could reignite a public health crisis. Critics highlight its link to cancer and point out that asbestos still kills around 40,000 Americans annually. They also claim this is proof that Trump will side with corporations over people, and hint at possible ties to Russia (asbestos is one of Russia’s main exports).

On the right

Right-leaning outlets are keeping quiet on the story. Lynn Dekleva, an official in Trump’s EPA, says they are reassessing whether the ban on chrysotile asbestos “went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk.” Defenders of asbestos argue that the naturally occurring mineral is ideal for insulating buildings and poses an insignificant risk if handled by professionals taking the necessary precautions. 

Compare the coverage

Both sides agree that asbestos exposure is toxic and cancer-causing. However, there is debate on how effectively you can reduce the risk of exposure. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says there is no “safe” level of exposure for any type of asbestos fiber. Exposure to asbestos for as little as a few days has caused mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. 

According to HealthLinkBC, exposure is only possible if asbestos frays or crumbles, which causes the particles to become airborne and settle in the lungs. Which means it could potentially be used safely if it’s handled carefully by trained professionals and limited to industrial settings.

However, there are some cases of asbestos exposure that are beyond the control of even the pros. Aging buildings and water damage can release asbestos particles. And the process of mining it from the ground can expose people who live nearby.

***

Whether you think revisiting the asbestos ban is outrageous or overdue, it’s worth looking at how both sides are framing the issue—and what they’re leaving out. That doesn’t mean all views are equally valid, but it does mean that understanding where others are coming from can sharpen your own thinking. 

—Alex Buscemi (abuscemi@buildersmovement.org)

We’re a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization on a mission to overcome our most toxic divides.
Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter.