Chemical name: Chrysotile asbestos

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:

The placing on the market and use of chrysotile fibres and products containing these fibres added intentionally are prohibited.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

The placing on the market and use of chrysotile is allowed for diaphragms 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 final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No

Summary of the final regulatory action:

The placing on the market and use of chrysotile fibres and products containing these fibres added intentionally have been prohibited according to the Regulation relating to bans and restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations since 1st January 2005. The use of products containing chrysotile asbestos fibres which were already installed and/or in service before 1 January 2005 shall continue to be used until they are disposed of or reach the end of their service life, only if the products bear a label in accordance with the special provisions on the labelling of products containing asbestos under the Regulation relating to bans and restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.

The placing on the market and use of chrysotile is allowed for diaphragms for existing electrolysis installations until they reach te end of their service life, or until suitable asbestos-free substitutes become available, whichever is the sooner.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Exposure to chrysotile asbestos poses increased risks for asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma in a

dose-dependent manner. No threshold has been identified for carcinogenic risks. Fibres are released

during processing, installation and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

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

Reduction of the risk and exposure for human health.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2005