Chemical name: 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 all forms of asbestos and products containing these fibres added intentionally is prohibited.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

None.

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 all forms of asbestos and of products containing these fibres added intentionally are prohibite, with one limited exception in the case of chrysotile, according to the Regulation relating to bans and restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. the use of products containing asbestos fibres which were already installed and/or in service before 01.01.2005 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 labeling of products containing asbestos under the Regulations relating to bans and restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

All forms of asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and no theshold level of exposure could be identified below which asbestos does not pose carcinogenic risks. Main exposure sources and handling, processing and disposal of dry asbestos or asbestos containing products, where fibres are released into the air. Among occupaitonal groups, exposure to asbestos poses a health hazard that may result in asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The incidence of these diseases is related to fibre type, fibre size, fibre dose and industrial processing.

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

To prevent health effects (asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma) for workers and general public.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2003