Long-term exposure to asbestos can harm health: studies
Canada is stalling the listing of chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) at the Conference of Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent, meeting in Geneva. On Wednesday, India changed its stand and supported the listing.
Listing will mandate the exporting countries to give prior data on the mineral to the importing nations to enable them to take informed decisions.
Exports will be permitted only to the countries that explicitly give consent to imports.
Canada, which exports large quantities of white asbestos to developing countries, including India, said it would not join a consensus. India agreed to chair a small breakout group to continue discussions with opponents to listing about their specific concerns.
IISD (International Institute for Sustainable Development) reporting services said on Thursday that the change of heart of India took most delegates by surprise and environmental NGOs lauded India for “ending the deadlock.”
Risk to workers
Several non-governmental organisations in India oppose the use of asbestos because of the risk it posed to workers and others.
Studies by the National Institute of Occupational Health in Ahmedabad have shown that long-term exposure to any type of asbestos could lead to development of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma (a form of cancer).
There was a controversy in Tamil Nadu over using asbestos sheets as roofs of school buildings and on houses for the poor.
As opposition from countries other than Canada for listing has weakened, some delegates are considering the adoption of a proposal for listing by “general agreement” (excluding Canada).
The Rotterdam Convention Alliance (ROCA) said in a statement that Canada had wilfully and in full knowledge of the repercussions sided with the global asbestos mafia to prioritise commercial profit over public health.
ROCA delegate Madhu Dutta said there was little doubt amongst the observers in Switzerland that Canada had planned to let other countries do its dirty work in perpetuating the chrysotile veto.
When the opposition of the dissent vote looked close to collapse, Canada emerged from the shadows.
“The disrespect shown by Canada for other delegations and their countries and human health and for the survival of the Rotterdam Convention is breathtaking.”