Euro asbestos ban tabled

by Michael Gordon



The European Commission is drafting legislation to ban white chrysolite asbestos in 15 countries and strengthen existing controls on exposure limits.

In response to questions from MEP Anita Polek, industry commissioner Martin Bangemann replied on behalf of the European Commission: "Even though much has already been accomplished, more needs to be done to tighten up community legislation on the marketing and use of asbestos-containing products.

"The Commission is preparing a draft proposal for a European-wide ban on the marketing and use of chrysolite asbestos, which will be discussed with Member State experts in the near future.

"The Commission also intends to strengthen existing controls on the exposure of workers to asbestos, and to encourage better information and training of workers who might come into contact with asbestos in the course of their work."

The questions were raised on 24 July, and last week Bangemann's reply was published by the Commission during the executive's August summer break.

Last week brought the close of the 60-day consultation period between French and Canadian governments over Canada's desire to overturn bans on importing asbestos, following a complaint to the World Trade Organisation.

This week members of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians is set to join protests outside courts in Leeds and Birmingham over violations of asbestos safety laws.