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 Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

All uses and importation prohibited.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

None specified.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No

Summary of the final regulatory action:

This industrial chemical is already designated as a PIC chemical. (Part IV of the national pesticide regulations of 1994 empowers the Board not to register any pesticide that is banned or severely restricted by other countries unless the importer provides sufficient proof that the product can be more safely handled in The Gambia). The product is not currently used in The Gambia. There were concerns regarding the toxicity nature of the product (based on information obtained from the literature, DGD and WHO classification of hazards). There had been dangers and hazards recorded in other countries. There was a lack of adequate capacity to manage and use the product in the country, and less hazardous alternatives existed.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Workers using crocidolite are exposed to potential dangers through inhalation. Also people living in asbestos-roofed old buildings are similarly exposed.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

The reduction of the potential health hazards due to exposure to crocidolite

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

The problem of potential to cause water, air and soil contamination. The current methods of hazardous waste disposal are inadequate.

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

A reduction of risk to human health and the environment, which will impact positively on the health budget. A reduction in the quantity of crocidolite entering the country. A reduction in the quantity, and therefore of cost, of waste crocidolite to be disposed of eventually.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 18/05/1995