Chemical name: Chrysotile asbestos

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:

The placing on the market and use of these fibres and of articles containing these fibres added intentionally shall be prohibited.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

No use is allowed.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The placing on the market and use of these fibres and of articles containing these fibres added intentionally shall be prohibited. However, Member States may except the placing on the market and use of diaphragms containing chrysotile for existing electrolysis installations until they reach the end of their service life, or until suitable asbestos-free substitutes become available, whichever is the sooner. The Commission will review this derogation before 1 January 2008

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

This substance causes fibrosis of the lung, lung cancer especially in combination with smoking, and cancer of the pleural sac (mesothelioma). The most dangerous fibre size is 20 micrometers in length and 0.2 micrometers in diameter.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001