There are still grey areas in understanding all the issues surrounding asbestos.  A major problem is that many companies have been bankrupted by their liability in asbestos litigation cases.  While it is reasonable to punish corporate wrong-doing, what happens if all of the companies involved go bankrupt?  Who then pays future liability cases?  In other words, who will help future blue-collar workers when they come down with mesothelioma or asbestosis?

In 2005 Senator Arlen Spector introduced a bill to try to deal with this very issue.  However as of September 2007 the various parties have not been able to come to an agreement.  It appears that as of Fall 2007 that this bill is dead and no other bills are on the horizon.

 Other unresolved issues involving asbestos are discussed below: