The American Public Health Association has recently asked Congress to pass legislation that would effectively ban the sale, manufacture, import and export of asbestos in the U.S.

Asbestos has been linked to numerous health problems including mesothelioma, a rare and often deadly form of cancer. Despite these links, it has never been banned.

According to this article, the APHA has joined forces with international organizations including the World Federation of Public Health Associations in an attempt to ban global practices in which asbestos is used, such as asbestos mining and manufacturing.

It is not yet known what action, if any, Congress will take on this request.