CHESTNUT HILL, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 24, 2026 / Lung Cancer Group has published a new overview examining how federal environmental policy changes expected in 2026 could affect oversight of asbestos exposure, along with the records and timelines that often matter in asbestos-related lung cancer claims.

Asbestos remains a regulated hazard in the United States, and the way it is tracked, removed, and monitored continues to evolve.

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued updated findings and restrictions related to asbestos in 2024. Crucially, EPA's new ruling banned the use of chrysotile asbestos, which is still used in some applications in the U.S., although ongoing legal challenges mean the ban could be reversed.

The EPA is also currently investigating "legacy asbestos," which is the use of older asbestos-containing materials built before the general public knew of the risks.

Up through the early 1980s, manufacturers used asbestos in a variety of products to make homes, offices, and other structures without disclosing the health dangers. Many older buildings still contain asbestos today, and disturbing it could lead to health issues later in life.

The current EPA policies matter to patients and families for a practical reason: Many asbestos-related lung cancer cases are diagnosed 10-50 years after exposure. In order to recover compensation through the legal system, cases often hinge on reconstructing work history, identifying the asbestos products someone was exposed to, and which companies manufactured them.

Regulatory updates can shape the information that former employers, contractors, and facilities must maintain.

"Most families deal with the medical aspects of lung cancer first, and only later realize how time-sensitive taking legal action is," said Sam Timpe, a spokesperson for Lung Cancer Group. "Changes in policy may impact the documentation families rely on to successfully get compensation for a diagnosis that wasn't their fault."

The new overview highlights several ways regulatory shifts can intersect with claim-building. One is the availability of exposure-related records that may be created or preserved under updated reporting expectations. Another is how remediation and disposal practices are documented when asbestos is found in older buildings, industrial sites, or legacy equipment.

Even when regulations are not written with litigation in mind, they can influence what is reportable and verifiable, especially when third-party contractors or licensed facilities are involved.

The overview also addresses the misconception that an asbestos claim depends on proving a single, definitive exposure event. Actually, many lung cancer patients suffered cumulative exposure across multiple job sites, roles, or building environments over time.

The guide notes that regulatory headlines can carry an emotional weight for families already navigating a life-changing diagnosis. For some, news about rule changes or delays may raise concerns about accountability or safety. For others, it may prompt questions about whether they should revisit old work records or speak to former employers about past conditions.

"People deserve clear explanations that separate what regulations do from what a claim requires," Timpe added. "Even small shifts in oversight can change how exposure is documented, and that can matter later, especially when someone is trying to make sense of work history from decades ago."

Lung Cancer Group is an informational resource focused on helping families understand how asbestos causes lung cancer, what health care options can help, and why compensation may be available. For more information, visit Lung Cancer Group's website.

SOURCE: Lung Cancer Group