Chrysotile Asbestos Ban: U.S. Steps Forward, Will India Follow?

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In a landmark move on March 18, 2024, the United States announced a complete ban on chrysotile asbestos, marking a significant advancement in public health protection.

Before diving into the implications of this ban, let's understand what chrysotile asbestos is.

Asbestos, a term familiar yet often not fully understood, encompasses a group of minerals celebrated for their resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage, thanks to their unique fibrous structure.

Among these, chrysotile, or white asbestos, stands out as the most commonly used variant. Despite its valuable industrial applications, the dark side of asbestos, particularly its health implications, cannot be overlooked.

Reflecting global health concerns, the ?????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? (??????) warns that all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of this ban. It's also known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, contributing to over 40,000 ???????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ??.?? alone.

This ban marks the first substantial action under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), showcasing a renewed commitment to chemical safety and public health.

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India's stance on asbestos, particularly chrysotile, is complex. Despite its known risks and a stop in mining, India imported 361,164 tonnes of chrysotile in 2019-20, mainly for construction materials, highlighting the material's ongoing demand.

This continues even as India has not listed chrysotile asbestos as a hazardous substance under the Rotterdam Convention, nor has the government enacted a formal ban.

However, there are various conventions guiding the use of asbestos.

One such is the Pollution control from asbestos-related industries which is regulated through emission standards notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.?

Under the Factories (Amendment) Act, asbestos-related work is identified as a hazardous process. Additionally, asbestos-related diseases are listed as notifiable occupation diseases, compensable under the Employee’s Compensation Act 1923 and the Employees’ State Insurance Act 1948.

While the ban on chrysotile asbestos in India has not been enacted, the Indian Bureau of Mines reports that the consumption of asbestos in all its forms is expected to decline in the near future.

This anticipated decline is likely to be influenced significantly by the stance of the USEPA.?

Our country has stringent regulations to ensure worker safety and minimize exposure, but the debate continues on whether this is enough.

The Global Shift and India's Future

The U.S. ban is a significant moment that could influence global perspectives on asbestos use, including India's.

With health and environmental concerns rising, it's crucial to ponder whether following suit might be in our best interest.

Transitioning away from asbestos, finding safer alternatives, and investing in new technologies could pave the way for a healthier, safer environment.

As the world shifts towards safer materials, it's essential for us to consider the implications of continuing asbestos use.

Engaging Discussion: India's Path Forward

This move by the U.S. could serve as a wake-up call, prompting us to reevaluate our stance on asbestos for the health and safety of our people.

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What are the challenges and opportunities we face in such a transition?

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