Chile bans asbestos, others to follow?

The Canadian asbestos industry fears that Chile's ban on importing asbestos, which came into effect July 12, may have a domino effect on other nations in the Americas. The Asbestos Institute, a Montreal-based nonprofit organization funded by industry, labour and government, says it was unable to make a presentation on the safe use of chrysotile asbestos to the Chilean government, although it tried to for 3 years. “Their mind was made up,” said Denis Hamel, the executive director.

Even though Chile accounts for less than 1% of Canada's asbestos sales, this is the first ban imposed by a Latin American country. Hamel worries it could set a precedent. “Colombia and Brazil are looking at regulating on a scientific basis but this might not be the case elsewhere. We worry about a domino effect.”

Chile's ban came after years of lobbying by environmentalists, unions and victims of asbestos-related diseases. The deaths of 98 Chileans have been linked to the mineral. Hamel claims these groups' efforts were financially supported by a Belgian company that produces an alternative to asbestos.

Chile isn't acting alone: 10 of the 15 European Union (EU) states have almost completely prohibited the use of asbestos and the EU is considering eliminating virtually all use of chrysotile asbestos by 2005; France once accounted for 16% of Canada's export market but now imports none.

Canada is the world's top exporter of chrysotile asbestos and the second-largest producer, after Russia and the former Soviet republics. In 1998 Canada produced 320 000 tonnes of chrysotile asbestos, or 20% of world output. The industry employs more than 2000 Canadians and is worth about $250 million annually.

Both the industry and Health Canada claim chrysotile asbestos can be used safely if processed properly, but there is still debate within the scientific community about the risks posed (CMAJ 2001;164[4]:453;489-90;491-4;495-7).