Canada Seeks Feedback on Asbestos Bans

Health Canada January 6 launched a 75-day comment period on two proposals on prohibiting most uses and exportation of asbestos. The rules would come under the CCPSA, and current, less-stringent requirements would be repealed. Those, dating to 1990, allowed for some uses involving cements, plasters, furnaces and heating systems, building insulation, floor/ceiling tiles, house siding, and automotive braking and transmission components.

Health Canada justified the proposal (bit.ly/2CY1ebv) on cost/benefit grounds. It estimated that costs for construction and automotive manufacturers will be about $C30 million. Given the latency of mesothelioma and the single-case estimate of C$1 million, the benefits will surpass the costs.