EPA under fire for new asbestos proposal

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to allow new uses for asbestos in manufacturing — even though the toxic chemical has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases — has triggered concerns from disease advocacy groups, reports CBS News.

The details: Critics have lambasted the move, announced in June, saying the EPA failed to realize the dangers of the fibrous mineral. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group said the agency would "green light" the chemical industry to "continue business as usual, and by signaling that even the most dangerous chemicals are unlikely to be restricted or banned." The EPA, however, said companies would be prohibited from manufacturing, processing or importing for new uses of asbestos without its approval.