In a move to protect the public health of its citizens, New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment announced this week that it will end importation of asbestos-containing products. Although shipments of raw asbestos have been banned by New Zealand for years, certain potentially dangerous products made with asbestos have been allowed until now.

New Zealand Minster for the Environment Nick Smith noted in a statement that asbestos kills 250 New Zealanders per year due to “historic misuse and mismanagement.” Smith added that he did not expect many businesses to be affected by the ban because “New Zealand has all but phased out” asbestos-containing materials.

In stopping the importation of asbestos in all forms, New Zealand joins more than 50 other nations that have outlawed the deadly substance, which causes lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The Environmental Working Group Action Fund applauds New Zealand for recognizing the dangers of asbestos and acting to protect its people’s health.

In contrast, the United States continues to bury its head in the sand. Despite losing as many as 15,000 Americans every year to asbestos-related diseases, the U.S. government still allows the importation of millions of pounds of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

With so many innocent lives at risk, it is time for America’s elected leaders and federal regulators to acknowledge the serious health dangers associated with asbestos and end importation of this notorious, cancer-causing material.

By Nick Richter, Intern for EWG Action Fund