Asbestos News: Statement Calls for Outright Global Ban

Voices continue to rise in opposition to the Quebec government’s Canada Day announcement that they will grant a direct loan of $58 million to reopen the Jeffrey Mine, the world’s largest asbestos mine.

A Statement endorsed by over 150 public health and other organizations along with individual scientists calls for an outright worldwide ban on the mining, use and export of all forms of asbestos – including the chrysotile variety that Canadian interests plan to soon begin producing and exporting. The Statement was issued by the Joint Policy Committee of the Societies of Epidemiology (JPC-SE – www.jpc-se.org). The JPC-SE comprises a number of Canadian, American and international epidemiology organizations

Industry representatives continue to insist that the chrysotile variety of asbestos in Quebec’s giant Jeffrey Mine can be mined and used safely, and even go so far as to say that it doesn’t cause mesothelioma in the same way as other types of asbestos.

However, in the Statement Dr. Robert Hiatt, representing the American College of Epidemiology, says, “We call specifically on the major asbestos exporting countries – Brazil, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Russia – to respect the right to health by ceasing the mining, use, and export of asbestos, and providing transition assistance to their asbestos-mining communities.”

Adds Professor Colin Soskolne, PhD, past-president of the Canadian Society of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, “The asbestos industry continues today to undermine public health policy by denying the overwhelming scientific evidence and promoting asbestos use in developing countries.”

The Statement calls for comprehensive public education on the hazards of asbestos and to establish an inventory of existing sites, particularly in areas where children are at risk. It also specifically mentions the intimidation of scientists by the asbestos industry.

Maybe even in your home!
At one time, asbestos used for everything from building construction to household products and even decorations. If your home was built before the 1970’s, you should assume it contains asbestos in one form or another. If you are looking to buy or renovate an older home then do yourself a favour and include an asbestos inspection on the list of things to do.

The material is very durable and likely to last for many years in bound form or if it’s contained, but it’s also true that many of the asbestos containing elements that you’ll find nowadays have already been in place for a long time. The material does eventually become brittle and break apart, capable of producing the friable – or inhalable – fibres that have been shown to cause lung disease, including mesothelioma.

Please don’t try to handle it yourself!
Get peace of mind from GreenStream Environmental – call us for an asbestos inspection or removal quote today.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.