Chemical name: Asbestos, crocidolite, Trimagnesium;disodium;dihydroxy(oxo)silane;iron(3+)

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 -crocidolite.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Inhalation of asbestos dust including crocidolite 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).

Fibrosis in many animal species, and bronchial and pleural carcinomas in the rat, have been observed following inhalation of amphibole asbestos. In these studies there were no consistent increases in tumour incidence at other sites, and there is no convincing evidence that ingested asbestos is carcinogenic in animals (IPCS, 1986). Epidemiological studies, mainly on occupational groups, have established that all types of asbestos fibres are associated with diffuse pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis), bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer), and primary malignant tumours of the pleura and peritoneum (mesothelioma). That asbestos causes cancers at other sites is less well established. Cigarette smoking increases the asbestosis mortality and the risk of lung cancer in persons exposed to asbestos but not the risk of mesothelioma (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.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Fate Crocidolite fibres are relatively stable and are transported via air and water over great distances.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Reduce exposure to aquatic life, avian life and other animals.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 02/04/2015