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Asbestos banned in Argentina
1Workers' Health Program, Ministry of Health, Argentina.
Summary
Argentina banned all asbestos mining and imports in 2003 after recognizing asbestos exposure as a significant health risk. This decision followed extensive public consultation and addressed occupational cancer concerns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Argentina prioritized asbestos management in its 1997 National Plan for the Sound Management of Chemicals.
- A Technical Task Force on Occupational Cancer was established to investigate asbestos-related risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risks associated with asbestos exposure for workers and the general population in Argentina.
- To determine the necessity of implementing protective measures comparable to those in developed nations.
Main Methods:
- Conducted five years of public hearings involving diverse stakeholders including government, industry, workers, and scientific experts.
- Reviewed scientific evidence on asbestos as a risk factor for cancer and other health issues.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached that asbestos exposure poses a significant risk to both occupational and general populations.
- Industry pressure initially impeded the inclusion of chrysotile asbestos in the proposed ban.
Conclusions:
- Argentina implemented a comprehensive ban on the mining and import of all asbestos forms effective January 1, 2003.
- The ban aimed to align national protections with international standards for managing asbestos-related health risks.