Thailand: Chrysotile Management and the Continued Market for Fibre-Cement Roofing Sheets

Thailand: Chrysotile Management and the Continued Market for Fibre-Cement Roofing Sheets

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Thailand is one of the notable markets in Southeast Asia for the use of white asbestos (chrysotile) in the construction materials industry. Although the government introduced a policy direction to phase out asbestos in 2011, chrysotile is still managed under the country’s legal framework for hazardous substances rather than being subject to a complete ban. This approach focuses on controlling imports, licensing the use of chrysotile, regulating production conditions and protecting workers’ health.
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Canada Takes a Science-Based Approach to Assessing Asbestos in Drinking Water

Canada Takes a Science-Based Approach to Assessing Asbestos in Drinking Water

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It also acknowledges, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) previous position, that “there is no consistent, convincing evidence that oral exposure to asbestos causes adverse effects in humans and animals.” The document also cites research findings from animal and human studies, indicating that “more than 99% of all ingested asbestos fibres pass through the digestive system and are excreted within 48 hours.” Furthermore, “the few fibres that do cross the intestinal barrier are generally less than 1 µm in length, a size that is not considered to be carcinogenic.”
Fiber Cement Roofing Sheets Maintain Their Position in the Sri Lankan Market

Fiber Cement Roofing Sheets Maintain Their Position in the Sri Lankan Market

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Sri Lanka is one of the notable markets for fiber cement roofing sheets in South Asia. With its tropical climate, heavy rainfall, and long coastline, the demand for durable, affordable, and weather-resistant roofing materials remains relatively high. Fiber cement roofing sheets are widely used in residential construction, particularly in rural areas and among middle-income communities.
Workplace Environmental Monitoring – Ensuring Worker Safety

Workplace Environmental Monitoring – Ensuring Worker Safety

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At fibre-cement roofing sheet factories, workplace environmental monitoring is an important activity aimed at controlling factors that may affect workers’ health. Measuring, sampling, and assessing air quality in production areas are carried out regularly in accordance with occupational safety and hygiene requirements. During the monitoring process, specialised equipment is used to collect air samples and determine the concentration of dust and fibres in the workplace environment.
The Decree no.09 on managing building materials

The Decree no.09 on managing building materials

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The Decree no.09 on managing building materials, which included regulations regarding the use of chrysotile, was promulgated by the Government on February 09, 2021.
The strategy on the development of building materials in Vietnam: Enterprises continue to trade chrysotile-containing roofing sheet
Chrysotile is still on the list of conditional businesses of the Law on Investment (amended) in 2020
Significant new use rule for asbestos by the Environmental Protection Agency

Significant new use rule for asbestos by the Environmental Protection Agency

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Persons subject to the SNUR would be required to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing any manufacturing (including importing) or processing of asbestos (including as part of an article) for a significant new use. The required notification initiates EPA’s evaluation of the conditions of use associated with the intended use within the applicable review period.
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/1005

COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/1005

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2016/1005 of 22 June 2016 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards asbestos fibres (chrysotile).
Russian state policy for elimination of asbestos-related diseases for the period until 2020 and further perspectives

Russian state policy for elimination of asbestos-related diseases for the period until 2020 and further perspectives

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The Concept of implementing the state policy for elimination of asbestos-related diseases until 2020 and further perspectives (hereafter referred to as the Concept) has been developed in accordance with paragraph 10 of the Global plan of action on workers’ health 2008-2017 endorsed at the 60th World Health Assembly (Resolution WHA 60.26 of 23 May 2007) and item 10 of Parma Declaration on Environment and Health adopted by the Ministers and representatives of Member States in the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (EUR/55934/5.1 Rev.2 of 11 March 2010).
The U.S.A: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

The U.S.A: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

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In respect of exploitation, chrysotile exploitation has been prohibited since 2002 but the import activities and use of the chrysotile-containing products have continued. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States imported and consumed about 820 metric tons of chrysotile asbestos in the first 7 months of 2010 and this figure was further increased in the following years.
The Philippines: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

The Philippines: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

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Asbestos-containing materials have been used in the Philippines over the past 60 years; however, the statistics faces numerous difficulties because there is no reliable data source. A draft law was compiled by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1995, listing the asbestos as one of the chemicals subject to the strict management to prevent, as much as possible, its damage to the human and environment.
Thailand: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

Thailand: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

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Thailand is one of the top asbestos importing countries (the 5th importer of asbestos in the world). The diseases relevant to the asbestos are among the eight occupational diseases covered by an active health surveillance scheme run by the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases. However, most of the scheme’s work has been focused on silicosis and lead poisoning because of a larger target population; and very little information about asbestos-related diseases is available from the scheme.
Vietnam: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

Vietnam: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

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Vietnam is one of the first countries in the world recognizing the hazard of asbestos to community health at Joint Circular No. 08/TTLB dated 19 May 1976 of Vietnam General Confederation of Labor – Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on occupational diseases and compensation, benefit paid to employees as victims of occupational diseases. Right after the national unification, the scientific qualification was not high and international information remained limited, this Circular confirmed “asbestosis may be caused by all the works exposed to the asbestos dust”.
Russia: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

Russia: Safe and responsible use of chrysotile asbestos from policy and legislative framework

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The Russian Federation was the largest producer and consumer of chrysotile asbestos in the world from 1886 to 20094 and is now one of the top countries in this field. The point of view of the Russian Government on use of chrysotile is stated in Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, No. 869 dated 31 July 1998. Under which, the Russia says that there is insufficient grounds for the ban by some countries on use of chrysotile and chrsyotile-containing products.