Update Banning Asbestos Update Banning Asbestos in Asiain Asia

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January 31, 2015January 31, 2015Karachi, PakistanKarachi, Pakistan

SugioSugio FURUYAFURUYABan Asbestos Network Japan (BANJAN)Ban Asbestos Network Japan (BANJAN)Asian Ban asbestos Network (AAsian Ban asbestos Network (A--BAN)BAN)

Ban Asbestos PakistanBan Asbestos PakistanFFeebruarybruary 1, 2014, Karachi1, 2014, Karachi

My presentation “Banning Asbestos in Asia” is available at:http://www.slideshare.net/LReinstein/

sugio-furuya-ban-asbestos-conference-pakistan-20

National Stakeholders Conference on Banning Asbestos in Pakistan by ACEEU

September 3, 2014, Lahorehttp://www.bwint.org/default.asp?Index=5747&Language=EN

11-- Elimination of AsbestosElimination of Asbestos--related Diseasesrelated Diseases

22-- Commonly raised Questions Commonly raised Questions and Answersand Answers

This section addresses This section addresses questions commonly raised questions commonly raised by policyby policy--makers on the use makers on the use of of chrysotilechrysotile

33-- Additional InformationAdditional Information

44-- Technical Summary of WHO Technical Summary of WHO Evaluations of ChrysotileEvaluations of Chrysotile

WHO WHO ““Chrysotile AsbestosChrysotile Asbestos””http://http://www.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/chrysotilewww.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/chrysotile__

asbestos_summary.pdf?uaasbestos_summary.pdf?ua=1=1NEW !NEW !

QQ-- Is it true that Is it true that chrysotilechrysotile is not really a form of asbestos ?is not really a form of asbestos ?AA-- No.No.QQ-- What is What is WHOWHO’’ss policy on asbestos ?policy on asbestos ?AA-- AsbestosAsbestos--related diseases can and should be prevented, and the related diseases can and should be prevented, and the

most efficient way to prevent them is to stop the use of all formost efficient way to prevent them is to stop the use of all forms of ms of asbestos. asbestos. WHOWHO’’ss global campaigns to eliminate asbestosglobal campaigns to eliminate asbestos--related related diseases aim to support countries in achieving that objective. diseases aim to support countries in achieving that objective.

QQ-- Why is WHO so concerned about asbestos ?Why is WHO so concerned about asbestos ?AA-- There is clear scientific evidence that asbestos causes cancer aThere is clear scientific evidence that asbestos causes cancer and nd

chronic respiratory diseases in humans.chronic respiratory diseases in humans.QQ-- Is it true that Is it true that chrysotilechrysotile is less harmful than other types of is less harmful than other types of

asbestos and should not, therefore, be subject to the same asbestos and should not, therefore, be subject to the same control measures ?control measures ?

AA-- No.No.QQ-- Is asbestos exposure only an occupational issue, with no or Is asbestos exposure only an occupational issue, with no or

little risk to the population at large ?little risk to the population at large ?AA-- No.No.

WHO WHO ““Chrysotile AsbestosChrysotile Asbestos””http://http://www.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/chrysotilewww.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/chrysotile__

asbestos_summary.pdf?uaasbestos_summary.pdf?ua=1=1NEW !NEW !

Hong Kong has introduced Hong Kong has introduced a Ban on Asbestos on April 4th 2014a Ban on Asbestos on April 4th 2014

EPD: EPD: ““Banning AsbestosBanning Asbestos”” pagepage

www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinwww.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhhk/aik/air/guide_ref/Banning_asbestos.htmlr/guide_ref/Banning_asbestos.html

Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, relevant government departments and social relevant government departments and social

partners signed Asbestos Risk Abatement partners signed Asbestos Risk Abatement Charter at Conference on Joining Hands to Charter at Conference on Joining Hands to

Eliminate Asbestos Hazards on Nov 7, 2013.Eliminate Asbestos Hazards on Nov 7, 2013.

Hong Kong Government said:Hong Kong Government said: Banning asbestos to reduce the risk of exposure to Banning asbestos to reduce the risk of exposure to

asbestos has become an international trend.asbestos has become an international trend. The amended Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO, The amended Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO,

administered by the Environment Protection Department) administered by the Environment Protection Department) will further reduce the risk of public exposure to will further reduce the risk of public exposure to environmental asbestos by imposing a total ban on environmental asbestos by imposing a total ban on asbestos. asbestos.

Except for goods in transit and registered proprietary Except for goods in transit and registered proprietary Chinese medicine, the import, transshipment, supply and Chinese medicine, the import, transshipment, supply and use of all forms of asbestos use of all forms of asbestos areare banned to prevent asbestos banned to prevent asbestos from entering Hong Kong. from entering Hong Kong.

It also makes related amendments to the Factories and It also makes related amendments to the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) Regulation to ban works Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) Regulation to ban works with all types of asbestos in industrial undertakings.with all types of asbestos in industrial undertakings.

““No More Asbestos in Hong KongNo More Asbestos in Hong Kong”” AllianceAlliance

Nepal has issued a notice on Dec 24, 2014Nepal has issued a notice on Dec 24, 2014The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTEMoSTE) of ) of Nepal published a notice in Nepal Gazette on December 22, 2014 tNepal published a notice in Nepal Gazette on December 22, 2014 to o ban the import, sale, distribution and use of asbestosban the import, sale, distribution and use of asbestos (corrugated and (corrugated and nonnon--corrugated sheets, tiles, insulations and other asbestos corrugated sheets, tiles, insulations and other asbestos containing materials except for lining in brake shoe and clutch containing materials except for lining in brake shoe and clutch plate plate used in motor vehicle).used in motor vehicle).The decision based on the Environment Protection Act 1997 and wiThe decision based on the Environment Protection Act 1997 and will ll automatically come into effect 181 days after the date of notifiautomatically come into effect 181 days after the date of notification cation ––on June 20, 2015.on June 20, 2015.

A joint delegation of A joint delegation of BWIBWI’’ss affiliates submitted a memorandum to the affiliates submitted a memorandum to the NepaliseNepalise Prime Minister for banning asbestos in 2011.Prime Minister for banning asbestos in 2011.The Center for Public Health and Environmental Development The Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) had campaigned for a ban on asbestos for 2 years. (CEPHED) had campaigned for a ban on asbestos for 2 years.

Asbestos in NepalAsbestos in Nepal

Japan: Steps towards a Total BanJapan: Steps towards a Total BanOccupational Safety and Health Act administered by the Ministry Occupational Safety and Health Act administered by the Ministry

of Health, of Health, LabourLabour and welfare (MHLW)and welfare (MHLW)

1975 1975 SprayingSpraying of asbestos was prohibited in principleof asbestos was prohibited in principle

1995 1995 CrocidoliteCrocidolite and and amositeamosite were prohibitedwere prohibited

20042004 Negative listNegative list –– listed items were prohibitedlisted items were prohibited

20062006 Positive listPositive list –– other than the listed items were prohibitedother than the listed items were prohibited

20072007-- Elimination of the exemptions from prohibitionElimination of the exemptions from prohibition

20122012 Total ban was achievedTotal ban was achieved

In 2005 Japanese Government established the Comprehensive In 2005 Japanese Government established the Comprehensive Measures against AsbestosMeasures against Asbestos

Korea: Steps towards a Total BanKorea: Steps towards a Total BanOccupational Safety and Health Act administered by the Ministry Occupational Safety and Health Act administered by the Ministry

of Labor (MOL)of Labor (MOL)

1997 1997 CrocidoliteCrocidolite and and amositeamosite were prohibitedwere prohibited

20032003 Production, importation and use of asbestos except for Production, importation and use of asbestos except for chrysotilechrysotile were prohibitedwere prohibited

20082008 Chrysotile asbestos cement products and friction productsChrysotile asbestos cement products and friction productswere prohibitedwere prohibited

20092009 All types of asbestosAll types of asbestos was prohibited (exemptions : military was prohibited (exemptions : military and chemical industry use until substitute materials and chemical industry use until substitute materials developed)developed)

In 2007 Korean Government established the Comprehensive In 2007 Korean Government established the Comprehensive Measures against Asbestos and Measures against Asbestos and rveisedrveised them in 2009.them in 2009.

Singapore: Steps towards a Total BanSingapore: Steps towards a Total Ban1988 1988 Use of asbestos inUse of asbestos in buildingbuilding was banned by the Building Control was banned by the Building Control

Division (now Building and Construction Authority (BCA)), Division (now Building and Construction Authority (BCA)), Ministry of National Development.Ministry of National Development.

1989 1989 Import ofImport of raw asbestosraw asbestos was prohibited under the Poisons Act was prohibited under the Poisons Act (now Environment Protection and Management Act (EPMA)) (now Environment Protection and Management Act (EPMA)) administered by National Environment Agency (EPA).administered by National Environment Agency (EPA).Import/use of asbestos containing materials except for Import/use of asbestos containing materials except for chrysotilechrysotile containing materials are controlled as a hazardous containing materials are controlled as a hazardous substance under the EPMA and its subsidiary legislations.substance under the EPMA and its subsidiary legislations.

19951995 Import/use of Import/use of vehicles with brakes or clutch liningsvehicles with brakes or clutch linings containing containing asbestos was banned.asbestos was banned.

20082008 Chrysotile containing materials (excluding construction Chrysotile containing materials (excluding construction materials) are placed under licensing control. materials) are placed under licensing control.

Import/use of asbestos containing textile, gasket .. is still reImport/use of asbestos containing textile, gasket .. is still regal.gal.But there is no asbestos product manufacturing plant in SingaporBut there is no asbestos product manufacturing plant in Singapore.e.National Asbestos Control National Asbestos Control ProgrammeProgramme

Taiwan: Steps towards a Total BanTaiwan: Steps towards a Total BanToxic Substances Management Act administered by the Toxic Substances Management Act administered by the

Environment Protection Administration (EPA)Environment Protection Administration (EPA)1989 1989 New use of asbestos containing drinking water pipes New use of asbestos containing drinking water pipes

were banned.were banned.19961996 Allowed usesAllowed uses –– other than listed items were banned.other than listed items were banned.19981998 CrocidoliteCrocidolite and and amositeamosite were banned.were banned.20082008-- Elimination of the exemptions from prohibitionElimination of the exemptions from prohibition20102010 11stst phasephase--out plan to achieve a total ban in 2020 and out plan to achieve a total ban in 2020 and

revised it in 2011 and 2012.revised it in 2011 and 2012.20122012 Manufacturing of extruded cement composite hollow Manufacturing of extruded cement composite hollow

plates, asbestos filters and asphalt (filter) were bannedplates, asbestos filters and asphalt (filter) were banned2018 2018 Last item Last item -- Manufacturing of brake linings will be Manufacturing of brake linings will be

banned (Jul 1banned (Jul 1stst)) -- achieving a total banachieving a total ban

Asian Regional Efforts Asian Regional Efforts --> A> A--BANBAN GAC2000GAC2000, Osasco, Brazil, Osasco, Brazil

from Japan, Korea, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong from Japan, Korea, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong ……

GAC2004GAC2004, , Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, Japan 42 delegates from 13 Asian countries/regions42 delegates from 13 Asian countries/regions

AAC2006AAC2006, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok, Thailandfrom more than 10 Asian countries/regionsfrom more than 10 Asian countries/regions

2006 South Asia Asbestos Workshop, Chittagong, Bangladesh2006 South Asia Asbestos Workshop, Chittagong, Bangladeshfrom Bangladesh, India, Hong Kong, Japanfrom Bangladesh, India, Hong Kong, Japan

2007 Yokohama International Conference, Japan 2007 Yokohama International Conference, Japan from Korea, Hong Kong, Thailandfrom Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand

2008 Seoul/2008 Seoul/BusanBusan International Conference, Korea International Conference, Korea from more than 10 Asian countries/regionsfrom more than 10 Asian countries/regions

AAC2009AAC2009, Hong Kong,, Hong Kong,from more than 10 Asian countries/regionsfrom more than 10 Asian countries/regions

ANROA(E)V 2002ANROA(E)V 2002-- BWI / Trade Union Ban Asbestos CampaignBWI / Trade Union Ban Asbestos Campaign AAIAAI (2002) 2008(2002) 2008--

Researchers initiativesResearchers initiatives

GAC2000, BrazilGAC2000, Brazil

GAC2004, JapanGAC2004, Japan

AAC2006, ThailandAAC2006, Thailand

Seoul/Seoul/BusanBusan 20082008Ban Asbestos NetworkBan Asbestos Network

BANKO (Korea)BANKO (Korea)

AAC2009, Hong KongAAC2009, Hong Kong AA--BAN 2009BAN 2009

Victims NetworkVictims NetworkANROEV2003 ANROEV2003 -->>

Trade UnionTrade UnionAsbestosAsbestos

CampaignCampaign

BANJAN 1987BANJAN 1987(Japan)(Japan)

Coalition Building and Empowerment Coalition Building and Empowerment of Victims and Their Familiesof Victims and Their Families

1987 Ban Asbestos Network 1987 Ban Asbestos Network Japan (BANJAN)Japan (BANJAN)

2002 Ban Asbestos Network 2002 Ban Asbestos Network India (BANI)India (BANI)

2006 Occupational and Environmental Health Network2006 Occupational and Environmental Health Network India (OEHNI)India (OEHNI)

2008 Ban Asbestos Network 2008 Ban Asbestos Network Korea (BANKO)Korea (BANKO)

2009 2009 ““No More Asbestos in No More Asbestos in Hong KongHong Kong”” AllianceAlliance (reactivated)(reactivated)

2009 Asian Ban Asbestos Network (A2009 Asian Ban Asbestos Network (A--BAN)BAN)

20102010 Indonesia Ban Asbestos NetworkIndonesia Ban Asbestos Network (Ina(Ina--BAN)BAN)

20112011 MalaysiaMalaysia Ban Asbestos Network Ban Asbestos Network (M(M--BAN) BAN) -- agreementagreement

20122012 ThailandThailand Ban Asbestos Network Ban Asbestos Network (T(T--BAN)BAN)

2013 Bangladesh Ban Asbestos Network2013 Bangladesh Ban Asbestos Network (B(B--BAN)BAN)

2014 Vietnam Ban Asbestos Network2014 Vietnam Ban Asbestos Network (VN(VN--BAN) BAN)

Groups of asbestos victims exist in Groups of asbestos victims exist in JapanJapan, , KoreaKorea and and IndiaIndia. Occupational . Occupational victims groups in victims groups in Hong KongHong Kong and and TaiwanTaiwan are supporting asbestos victims.are supporting asbestos victims.

Malaysia Asbestos Banning ProposalMalaysia Asbestos Banning Proposal

Created on 22 June 2011http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=340:asbestos-

banning-proposal&catid=348:chemical-issues&Itemid=257&lang=en

2011 Malaysia NPEAD Conference2011 Malaysia NPEAD ConferenceDecember 13December 13--14, 2012, Kuala Lumpur14, 2012, Kuala Lumpur

DOSH will launch Public ConsultationDOSH will launch Public Consultation

http://ris.mpc.gov.my/

Oct 2014July 2013

Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Aug. 24, 2014 etc.Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Aug. 24, 2014 etc.

Cost Benefit Analysis within 2014.Cost Benefit Analysis within 2014.

Then official public consultation procedure will be started.Then official public consultation procedure will be started.

Option 1 Option 1 –– Business as UsualBusiness as Usual

means means ““Do NothingDo Nothing””

Option 2 Option 2 –– LicensingLicensing

licensing of the persons handling, licensing of the persons handling, manufacturing, processing, sale manufacturing, processing, sale and importingand importing

Option 3 Option 3 –– ProhibitionProhibition

all types of asbestos shall be all types of asbestos shall be prohibited.prohibited.

Strategy of Strategy of ““Making Thai Society AsbestosMaking Thai Society Asbestos--FreeFree”” ((2010 NHA Resolution2010 NHA Resolution))Target: by the year 2012Target: by the year 2012, Thailand will , Thailand will have abolished the import, production, and have abolished the import, production, and

distribution of all types of asbestos and all products containindistribution of all types of asbestos and all products containing asbestos, in order g asbestos, in order to lessen economic losses and alleviate damage to the health of to lessen economic losses and alleviate damage to the health of workers, workers, consumers, and the general public.consumers, and the general public.

StrategyStrategy

To make Thai society asbestosTo make Thai society asbestos--free, 4 strategies are envisaged:free, 4 strategies are envisaged:

1.1. Strategy to abolish the use of asbestos and prevent dangers arisStrategy to abolish the use of asbestos and prevent dangers arising from it ing from it through legal measures.through legal measures.

2.2. Strategy to encourage the use of substitute substances that are Strategy to encourage the use of substitute substances that are safe for health, safe for health, as well as invoke management efforts that will control, lessen, as well as invoke management efforts that will control, lessen, and abolish its use.and abolish its use.

3.3. Strategy to impart knowledge and engage in public relations so tStrategy to impart knowledge and engage in public relations so the public would he public would have knowledge of the issues. The strategy would include develophave knowledge of the issues. The strategy would include developing a system of ing a system of data and information.data and information.

4.4. Strategy of developing surveillance and monitoring system of at Strategy of developing surveillance and monitoring system of at risk groups in risk groups in terms of their health and environment. Included in this strategyterms of their health and environment. Included in this strategy is the is the development of disease diagnosis capability.development of disease diagnosis capability.

Thailand: Strategy for AsbestosThailand: Strategy for Asbestos--FreeFree

Thailand Ban Asbestos Network (TThailand Ban Asbestos Network (T--BAN)BAN)February 7, 2012, BangkokFebruary 7, 2012, Bangkok

2014 International Asbestos Conference2014 International Asbestos ConferenceNovember 24November 24--25, 2014, Bangkok25, 2014, Bangkok

In January, MOPH proposed to ban all kind of asbestos In January, MOPH proposed to ban all kind of asbestos immediatelyimmediately

In May, Military CoupIn May, Military Coup In July, In July, CrysotileCrysotile Information Center sent an open letter to Information Center sent an open letter to

National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) asking for National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) asking for ““fairness in making ban to fairness in making ban to chrysotilechrysotile asbestosasbestos””..http://ibasecretariat.org/thailandhttp://ibasecretariat.org/thailand--ciccic--openopen--letterletter--juljul--20142014--eng.pdfeng.pdf

In August, TIn August, T--BAN had a meeting at BAN had a meeting at KasetartKasetart University and University and issued a press release.issued a press release.http://ibasecretariat.org/thttp://ibasecretariat.org/t--banban--presspress--relrel--aug3aug3--2014.pdf2014.pdf

In November, International Asbestos Conference in BKKIn November, International Asbestos Conference in BKKMOI proposed 5 years phaseMOI proposed 5 years phase--out planout plan In December the Cabinet decided not to adopt proposals but In December the Cabinet decided not to adopt proposals but ……

Thailand: Continuing Battle in 2014Thailand: Continuing Battle in 2014

Vietnam: Steps towards a Total Ban Vietnam: Steps towards a Total Ban -- 1119981998 AmphiboleAmphibole type of asbestos was banned type of asbestos was banned

(No.1529/1998/TTLB/BKHCNMT(No.1529/1998/TTLB/BKHCNMT--BXD).BXD).20012001 Prime Minister Decision No.115/2001/QDPrime Minister Decision No.115/2001/QD--TTg intending to ban on TTg intending to ban on

asbestos containing construction materials from 2004 asbestos containing construction materials from 2004 --> was not in place> was not in place

20042004 Developing plan of construction materials industry to 2010 Developing plan of construction materials industry to 2010 approved by Decision No.113/2004/QDapproved by Decision No.113/2004/QD--TTg mentioned TTg mentioned ““all all asbestos roof tile manufacturing companies must strictly follow asbestos roof tile manufacturing companies must strictly follow the the standards of the environment and the public healthstandards of the environment and the public health””. .

20072007 Action Program for Elimination of AsbestosAction Program for Elimination of Asbestos--related Diseasesrelated DiseasesMediumMedium--term (2011term (2011--2015)2015) : Phase: Phase--out the use of asbestos and out the use of asbestos and ensure adequate health protection of people working with ensure adequate health protection of people working with asbestos in place.asbestos in place.LongLong--term (2015term (2015--2020)2020) : Eliminate asbestos: Eliminate asbestos--related diseases in related diseases in Vietnam.Vietnam.

2008/92008/9 Developing National Profile on AsbestosDeveloping National Profile on Asbestos--Related Occupational Related Occupational Health (NPAROH), then being updatedHealth (NPAROH), then being updated

Vietnam: Steps towards a Total Ban Vietnam: Steps towards a Total Ban -- 2220132013 Letters calling for ban; Vietnam Union for Science and Letters calling for ban; Vietnam Union for Science and

Technology Association (VUSTA) Technology Association (VUSTA) --> Science, Technology and > Science, Technology and Environment Committee of National Assembly (NA)Environment Committee of National Assembly (NA)

20142014 MOHMOH--WHO workshop (Feb 25WHO workshop (Feb 25--26)26)MOIT meeting (April)MOIT meeting (April)MOC and VUSTA workshops, MOH meeting with media (June) MOC and VUSTA workshops, MOH meeting with media (June) MOHMOH--MOSTMOST--WHO workshop (July 17)WHO workshop (July 17)MOIC meeting with media (August)MOIC meeting with media (August)WHO/ILO joint letter to Prime Minister (PM) (August 5)WHO/ILO joint letter to Prime Minister (PM) (August 5)PM Decision; Approve Master Plan (August 22)PM Decision; Approve Master Plan (August 22)MOH proposal to PM (August 28)MOH proposal to PM (August 28)Letter by Deputy Prime Minister to relevant ministriesLetter by Deputy Prime Minister to relevant ministries (Sep 19)(Sep 19)Establishment of Vietnam Ban Asbestos NetworkEstablishment of Vietnam Ban Asbestos Network (Nov 27)(Nov 27)MOC international workshop (Dec 10)MOC international workshop (Dec 10)VNVN--BANBAN workshop (Dec 23)workshop (Dec 23)

2014 Establishment of VN2014 Establishment of VN--BANBANNovember 27, 2014, HanoiNovember 27, 2014, Hanoi

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P7-TA-2013-0093+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN

European Parliament Resolution on Asbestos Related European Parliament Resolution on Asbestos Related Occupational Health Threats and Prospects for Abolishing Occupational Health Threats and Prospects for Abolishing

All Existing Asbestos All Existing Asbestos 14 March 201314 March 2013

Australia: National Strategic Plan forAustralia: National Strategic Plan forAsbestos Awareness and ManagementAsbestos Awareness and Management

Asbestos Safety and Eradication AgencyAsbestos Safety and Eradication Agencyhttp://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/

Next Step of Banning AsbestosNext Step of Banning AsbestosSetting target time to achievingSetting target time to achieving

Asbestos Free Society/EnvironmentAsbestos Free Society/Environment

Summary of the Current SituationSummary of the Current Situation Japan Japan andand Korea Korea had been only two countries introduced ban had been only two countries introduced ban

on asbestos in Asia.on asbestos in Asia. SingaporeSingapore has stopped almost of all asbestos and has stopped almost of all asbestos and TaiwanTaiwan has a has a

phasephase--out program at latest by 20out program at latest by 201818.. Hong KongHong Kong has finally introduced a ban on asbestos in 2014 has finally introduced a ban on asbestos in 2014

being followed by being followed by NepalNepal.. What country is the next ? I guess that What country is the next ? I guess that ThailandThailand, , MalaysiaMalaysia and and

the the PhilippinesPhilippines are close to ban.are close to ban. New developments in New developments in PakistanPakistan, , LaosLaos, , BangladeshBangladesh, etc, etc Coalition building among various social parties.Coalition building among various social parties. Continuing regional/international efforts.Continuing regional/international efforts. Asia is moving towards ban on asbestos.Asia is moving towards ban on asbestos. Australia and EU showed the next stage for achieving the Australia and EU showed the next stage for achieving the

elimination of asbestoselimination of asbestos--related diseases.related diseases.

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts Having analyzed the asbestos experiences of developed Having analyzed the asbestos experiences of developed

countries, it is clear that waiting for the emergence of an countries, it is clear that waiting for the emergence of an asbestos epidemic before taking action is not an option.asbestos epidemic before taking action is not an option.

In line with the precautionary principle, asbestos should be In line with the precautionary principle, asbestos should be banned immediately.banned immediately.

A ban on asbestos is the first step and making our society/ A ban on asbestos is the first step and making our society/ environment free from asbestos (with target time and environment free from asbestos (with target time and roadmap) will be the second step, for achieving the roadmap) will be the second step, for achieving the elimination of asbestoselimination of asbestos--related diseases.related diseases.

To obtain justice for the asbestosTo obtain justice for the asbestos--injured and deal with injured and deal with contaminated infrastructures, a concerted effort by civil contaminated infrastructures, a concerted effort by civil society is essential; asbestos victims and their families society is essential; asbestos victims and their families have a crucial role to play in achieving these goals.have a crucial role to play in achieving these goals.

We are not alone!We are not alone!Japan Association of Japan Association of MesotheliomaMesothelioma, Asbestos, Asbestos--related related

Disease Victims and Their FamiliesDisease Victims and Their Families