To counter the continuing hostility being heaped upon asbestos, most notably in the European Union, the government of Quebec is advocating the use of chrysotile and the safe use of all other types of asbestos.
The government says its position is based on scientific research conducted by recognized specialists and international agencies, including the World Health Organization.
Furthermore, the government says the legislation and control measures in force in the province, both for the extraction of asbestos fibres and the manufacture and use of asbestos products on construction sites, are sufficient to protect the health of workers, the public and the environment.
Quebec has prohibited the spraying of asbestos, as well as friable asbestos products that are known to pose a threat to human health, and it does not favour the replacement of chrysotile asbestos with substitute products, as the health effects of many of these products are not yet known.
Quebec advocates a policy of “sound management” of buildings that were sprayed with asbestos in the past, rather than a systematical, immediate removal of asbestos-based materials. Its position is based on conclusions, reached by numerous specialists, that show that friable asbestos-based materials do not pose a health hazard when they are in good condition.
The government stresses two points: several chrysotile-asbestos products (asbestos cement, fireproof textiles, brake linings and clutch friction disks) can be manufactured and used safely; and the manufacturing these products can contribute to the development of local, regional and national economies.
Quebec’s two asbestos producers are
In 1999, Quebec produced 345,000 tonnes of asbestos, valued at $162 million. A year earlier, production totalled 321,330 tonnes valued at $167 million.
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