Rotterdam Convention Participants Fail to Label Chrysotile Asbestos as “Dangerous Substance”

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At the Fall 2008 Rotterdam Convention, representatives of the 126 member countries failed to reach an agreement regarding the classification of chrysotile asbestos as a dangerous substance. All countries exporting a product on the dangerous substances list are required to provide the importing country with an official warning detailing the product’s dangers, the potential harm to the environment and the health risks associated with exposure to the product.

Chrysotile asbestos accounts for 94 per cent of global asbestos consumption.  Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

A group of seven countries, including India, Pakistan and Kazakhstan, voiced their opposition to chrysotile's inclusion on the list. The convention participants ruled that chrysotile asbestos would be discussed at the next convention, to be held in 2010 or 2011.

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