Chemical name: Asbestos, tremolite Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action: Not applicable. Use or uses that remain allowed: Not applicable. The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes Summary of the final regulatory action: Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control (Prohibited pesticides) Order No.4 of 2015 made under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act 2000 (No 13 of 2000) Prohibits importation, sale and use of Asbestos -Amosite, Anthophyllite, Actinolite, Tremolite (amphibole forms of asbestos). The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health Summary of known hazards and risks to human health: Inhalation of asbestos dust can cause fibrosis of the lung (asbestosis), changes in one or both surfaces of the pleura, bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer), mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum, and possibly cancers of other sites (IPCS, 1986). Asbestosis was the first asbestos-related lung disease to be recognised. It is defined as diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lungs resulting from exposure to asbestos dust. Scarring of the lungs reduces their elasticity and function resulting in breathlessness. It can appear and progress many years after the termination of exposure. Under recent exposure conditions, asbestosis will rarely be detectable, even in its early stages, in less than 20 years from first exposure (IPCS, 1986). There is no substantial evidence that asbestos fibre type influences the frequency or severity of pulmonary fibrosis. However the risk may be higher in the textile industry than in mining or milling, or in the manufacture of friction products (McDonald, 1984 cited by IPCS, 1986). Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health: The possibility of risks and exposure to this chemical by humans decreased. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 02/04/2015 |