French Public Health Agency Conducts Extensive Scientific Review

INGESTED ASBESTOS FIBRES SEEMS NOT TO BE LINKED TO DIGESTIVE TRACT CANCERS

In a July 2021 extensive report, the French Agence Nationale de Sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (National Agency for the Sanitary Safety of Food, Environnement and Work – ANSES) concluded that results from existing epidemiological and experimental studies do not provide sufficient basis to establish a link between ingested asbestos and digestive tract cancers.

While the relation between inhaled amphibole asbestos fibers and lung cancers has long been confirmed, there is still a lingering debate over potential risks stemming from ingested asbestos fibers, either in drinking tap water or workplace exposure. Conducted over a three-year period, the comprehensive and extremely thorough ANSES study gathered extensive data on both issues, drawn from more than 80 specific studies and broad reviews of scientific literature.

Its results are unequivocal. Moreover, the ANSES report is extremely critical of two Italian studies published in the past decade by the same Italian team of researchers which had concluded that the risks associated to the ingestion of asbestos fibers were underestimated: ANSES identified important methodological bias and selective data gathering in these studies, which it calls “alarmist”.

It must be noted that the ANSES Report comes on the heel of a 2020 World health Organization publication which had stated that “(…) the current body of evidence (…) does not support a clear association at the present time”.

For more details please visit the site https://chrysotileassociation.com/news/n_list.php

ANOTHER STUDY VALIDATES THE NEED TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN FIBERS

On May 30, 2021, the online journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology published final results of a quantitative inhalation study which examines the risk posed by chrysotile-containing brake dust compared with that of TiO2, pure chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite asbestos. The authors’ scientific findings

provide “a clear foundation for differentiating the innocuous effect of brake dust exposure from the adverse effects following amphibole asbestos exposure”.

Notwithstanding the tendentious amalgamations favored by the anti-asbestos lobbies who deliberately attempt to sow confusion and blur the boundaries separating facts from fiction, chrysotile is one of the natural substances that has been subjected to the highest level of scientific research and debates. One would therefore expect the media who want to discuss this substance to take into consideration the most recent studies before crying wolf and pointing to non-existing scandals.

Authored by David M. Bernstein, Balazs Toth, Rick A. Rogers, Peter Kunzendorf, James I. Phillips and Dirk Schaudien, this rigorous investigation was initiated in 2019. Life-time post-exposure observation of rat groups exposed to the above-mentioned substances for a period of 90 days, at concentration and doses well above those at which humans have been exposed, showed a significant fundamental difference in pathological response between brake dust generated from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile or chrysotile alone in comparison to the amphiboles, crocidolite and amosite asbestos. Chrysotile was not biopersistent, exhibiting in the lung a deterioration of its matrix which results in breakage into particle and short fibers which can be cleared by alveolar macrophages and continue to dissolve.

Furthermore, many scientists who attended the Monticello Conference on Elongated Mineral Particles (EMP) held in 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia (US) came to similar conclusions after an extensive literature review on the same subject.

For so many years, the ICA has repeatedly insisted on the need to recognize that differentiation is the key principle that must guide competent authorities when they seek to establish effective and responsible rules and regulations in order to thoroughly protect both human health and the environment. In spite of the fact that this differentiated approach is endorsed by international agencies at the highest level (World Health Assembly, International Labor Organization and Rotterdam Convention), anti-asbestos crusaders still refuse to recognize what is becoming basic evidence and would rather confuse myths and facts. This position is not only wrong and unhealthy, but it also clearly steers away from science and, in doing so, is becoming increasingly less credible.

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THE PANDEMIC SHOULDN’T BE USED AS AN EXCUSE TO TRAMPLE CIVIL SOCIETY’S RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSIONS

Quebec's Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), the provincial government's consultative body on environmental issues, recently published a report on the valorization and exploitation of the serpentine mining residues that can be found across its Appalachian region.

For years, the functioning of the Rotterdam Convention’s Secretariat has been a source of worries among Member States, stakeholders and other interested parties. Invariably, at each Conference of Parties (COP), the atmosphere is tense and representatives of numerous countries feel rushed – and for good reason.

A brief reminder

Originally, this Convention was conceived as an efficient tool for the management and control of the international trade of pesticides. Alas, it quickly became an unhealthy forum where pressure and various forms of harassment intensified in order to get the chrysotile natural fiber added to the list of pesticides whose use and trade were either banned or severely restricted. The anti-asbestos lobbyists made it a focal point of their crusade, with ample support from countries which had banned chrysotile to further their interests in promoting the use of replacement fibers and products of which they are leading producers.

Observers are out

Preparations for COP 10 are under way and its organizers have already made a decision which is very detrimental to civil society observers interested by the Convention’s debates. Using the pandemic and an alleged limited accessibility of the electronic platforms replacing in-person meetings, the Secretariat blocked the observers’ access to the preparatory regional meetings.

For more details please visit the site https://chrysotileassociation.com/news/n_list.php

100% GREEN MAGNESIUM PRODUCED FROM CHRYSOTILE MINING RESIDUES

The world of chrysotile and its ICA have been promoting and defending the safe and responsible use of the chrysotile asbestos fiber for years. It is a well-tried fiber whose efficiency has long been proven.

Even if the anti-asbestos crusaders stubbornly refuse to recognize the differences between amphibole and serpentine fibers, even if they negate the positive results arising from the safe and responsible use program and even if they ignore the most recent scientific findings, namely on the fibers’ bio persistency, the file nevertheless progresses.

Those extreme campaigners put all their might in their fight against the valorization and exploitation of serpentine mine tailings and are doing everything they can to stop any project aiming at doing so. Fortunately, the communities’ solidarity and determination are circumventing those sterile and dogmatic obstructions.

Recently, an article posted (In French) on a website dedicated to climate action in Quebec (Canada) mentioned a strong project which extracts magnesium from residues, a 100 % green initiative which garners support and admiration. As confirmed by a recent German study, Alliance Magnesium has created a patented technology which produces magnesium ingots from serpentine mine tailings, with the lowest greenhouse gas outputs on the planet.

This safe and eco-responsible production of magnesium ingots takes place in a safe and secure environment, respects the workers and the community’s health, and protects the environment. The ICA commends the fact that this is made possible through a strong connection with the decades of experience acquired by the chrysotile industry. The industry’s work yields results and becomes a strong asset when it comes to responsible management.

Preparations for COP 10 are under way and its organizers have already made a decision which is very detrimental to civil society observers interested by the Convention’s debates. Using the pandemic and an alleged limited accessibility of the electronic platforms replacing in-person meetings, the Secretariat blocked the observers’ access to the preparatory regional meetings.

For more details please visit the site https://chrysotileassociation.com/news/n_list.php

THE QUEBEC GOVERNMENT'S CONSULTATIVE PANEL ON THE ENVIRONMENT ENDORSES THE VALORIZATION AND THE EXPLOITATION OF SERPENTINE MINING RESIDUES

Quebec's Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), the provincial government's consultative body on environmental issues, recently published a report on the valorization and exploitation of the serpentine mining residues that can be found across its Appalachian region.

For the region's industries, those residues represent an almost inexhaustible resource which constitutes an interesting, promising mining heritage. To that end, the region welcomes the fact that the BAPE, in its recently released report, recognizes the importance that must be given to the exploitation of the mining residues, in the double perspective of a sustainable economic development for the region and of the very future of its communities.

Moreover, the BAPE’s report underscored the high social acceptability of the forward-looking project. Representations made by economic stakeholders during the public hearings demonstrated their unwavering determination and firm intention to ensure that said exploitation be carried out while fully respecting the population's health and the environment.

Lastly, the stakeholders came forward with an interesting proposal for the government authorities : they suggested that an observatory be created, staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, who would ensure that every process be developed efficiently and in accordance with all the proper rules, in a safe and secure manner and with the collaboration of all. The Quebec government must follow through with this request.

For this broad asbestos region, as it is known in Quebec, this project bears testimony to the fact that a true, sustainable development is completely feasible and that it can go hand in hand with an economic development that will benefit all. Throughout years of mining operations, the stakeholders clearly and repeatedly demonstrated that they did take their health and environmental responsibilities seriously. This is why the government should recognize and support their initiative, which will draw on their unique expertise in order to raise to the significant challenge of valorization./p>

For more details please visit the site https://chrysotileassociation.com/

CHRYSOTILE CEMENT ROOFING SHEETS: A MISUNDERSTOOD YET VITAL COMPONENT OF SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka has a long established history of using fibre cement roofing sheets, namely chrysotile roofing sheets which are otherwise referred to as white asbestos. Being the choice of construction giants across the local industry, chrysotile has maintained a presence of over 60 years in Sri Lanka.

The reason for the success of this material is quite simple, socio economic conditions of those in rural areas of Sri Lanka along with the subset of the population who fall under the urban poor category depend on these sheets for essential roofing. In the past, such households depended on roofing methods such as palm leaves and other tree leaves.

Chrysotile burst into popularity thanks to its idyllic properties; UV ray resistance, corrosion resistance, durability, lengthy service life and of course, it came at a price that did not unsettle the poor who were in need of shelter.

As the industry stands today, chrysotile cement roofing sheets cover 35% of the total roofing sheet market requirement. Supplying this requirement year on year are four manufacturing plants which import roughly 400 metric tonnes of chrysotile each year from the Russian Federation. Moreover, the industry in Sri Lanka supports over 30,000 persons through direct and indirect employment.

However, regardless of the importance of chrysotile roofing sheets, the industry has faced constant backlash and baseless allegations claiming that these sheets pose a threat to the health of our society.

Debunking the myths

While roughly 400 minerals are drawn from the earth naturally in fibrous form, only the use of six of these (chrysotile included) are regulated by authorities. The collective term ‘Asbestos’ was used to refer to specifically two distinct types of minerals – Serpentine and Amphiboles. The use of the latter is banned globally, while serpentine chrysotile continues to be used by two thirds of the world population.

The WHO is responsible for providing equitable, unbiased and research-based information to all governments around the world. However, research conducted by the WHO with regard to this burning issue has only been conducted in countries that use Amphiboles and not asbestos as a whole. Thus, the resulting report on Chrysotile put forward by the WHO is based on selective information. This information refers to asbestos in every form, regardless of established biochemical and scientific differentiation of fibre types.

Despite the constant dialogues on potential health hazards said to have been caused by chrysotile, It must be emphasised that there is no evidence to conclusively establish a significant correlation between health deterioration, particularly cancer, and exposure to chrysotile among the chrysotile cement roofing sheet users in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, the confusion of naming two distinctively characterised fibre groups – the Chrysotile and Amphibole groups have also contributed to the negative image built around the particular roofing product which in turn may cause a negative impact on the future of the roofing industry.

For more details please visit the site https://fcpma.in/

CHRYSOTILE VARIETY,AN IDEAL ASBESTOS ROOFING OPTION

The Hindu BusinessLine

Asbestos Cement Products Manufacturers Association has said that the chrysotile variety used in India is safe for roofing and piping.

Asbestos cement is the most -deal roofing sheets for warehouse, factory or low-cost housing, a spokesperson for the association said here.

COURT RULING

The asbestos industry had received a big boost when the Punjab High Court ruled in its favour, refusing to ban its application and use in the country, he added.

The order was delivered on February 6, 2012, by the High Court of Punjab Haryana in the Gobind Thukral and others Vs Union of India in Writ no. 21166 of 2011.

Earlier in January 2011, the Supreme Court also had refused to ban manufacturing and use of asbestos products.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in almost two-thirds of the earth’s crust. Depending on the region, every individual breathes in about 10,000 to 15,000 asbestos fibres each day.

There is no risk in living or working under chrysotile asbestos cement roof as the fibers are bonded and completely locked-in with cement, the spokesperson said.

These products have been in use in the country for over 75 years now. They are practically ageless and maintenance-free whereas metal sheets corrode and deteriorate with age and exposure.

They are also easy-to-install, strong and durable, apart from being cost-effective for weaker sections of society.

Russia, China, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Ukraine and other emerging nations are among largest users of asbestos cement products, the spokesperson added.

As regards claims linking materials containing asbestos with cause health hazards, he clarified that various studies by official agencies of the Government have proven otherwise.

Issues reported in the West in the past on extensive and uncontrolled usage at that time of the blue and brown varieties of asbestos, production and usage of which has since been banned all over the world.

(Source – https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/chrysotile-variety-an-ideal-asbestos-roofing-option/article20617123.ece )

For more details please visit the site https://fcpma.in/

CHRYSOTILE CEMENT PRODUCT: Sustainable, Reliable, Affordable

SUSTAINABLE, RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE

For many years, the chrysotile producers and users’ community has been promoting the safe and secure use of the chrysotile fibre. Many recent scientific studies have confirmed that the use of chryso-cement products, under the current regulations, doesn’t create an unacceptable level of health risk for people, or for the environment.

In all chryso-cement products, the fibres are encapsulated and can’t be airborne. Those products are durable, high performance and available at affordable costs for emerging countries. Their use therefore allows for an increase of their population’s quality of life, in such countries where chryso-cement products constitute a key component of sanitary and drinking water infrastructures.

Through their crusade against chrysotile, the anti-asbestos lobbies ─ against all fibre types ─ end up implicitly supporting the big industrial producers of substitutes for chrysotile products and fibres. Yet, they are well aware that for too many of these products and fibres currently available haven’t so far been submitted to scientific evaluations that would assert their safety or whether their use creates risks for human health.

Big, occult interests have been feeding this noxious crusade that pictures chrysotile in a totally unfair manner when compared to potential replacement products and fibres. Such double standards policy doesn’t seem to worry people advocating the precaution principle and the famous zero risk approach when dealing with chrysotile, while remaining absolutely silent on the potential risks for human health associated with the use of substitutes.

ICA invites you to read this document which sums up the numerous advantages of chryso-cement products and the precautions used by the chrysotile industry. The most recent scientific studies clearly establish that the controlled use of chryso-cement products is as safe if not safer than those substitutes promoted by the anti-asbestos crusaders.

The methods and processes employed today in the chrysotile industry are the results of decades of the businesses and unions’ joint efforts to ensure its’ safe and responsible use. A working environment in which a level of 1/ff.c.cube or less of chrysotile type fibres is associated with a health risk level so negligible that it becomes practically non-measurable.

This is why “Science Must Prevail” and that competent authorities in various countries currently under relentless pressure from anti-asbestos crusaders must make sure they differentiate facts from myths and aren’t falling for what amounts to propaganda. The anti-asbestos crusade can be quite misleading…

SOURCE: http://chrysotileassociation.com/data/Chrysotile-cement.pdf

For more details please visit the site https://fcpma.in/