Banning chrysotile-cement will not resolve the problem of friable insulation in buildings. It may, however, contribute to unwarranted public paranoia and a rush to initiate unnecessary and potentially dangerous removal work. Asbestos removal is a very costly operation which must be conducted by highly specialized contractors. Hasty elimination of asbestos insulation considerably increases the probability that controls will not be adequately enforced, thus presenting a source of risk not only for the workers, but for building occupants as well. Moreover, removal can create a new danger.
Replacement products contain natural or synthetic fibres that can be hazardous as well.
However, unlike chrysotile, few countries have introduced appropriate regulations for these substitute materials. While industrial development contributes to the well-being of society, it has also brought us numerous potentially hazardous products which we use daily and which are far more dangerous than chrysotile. In order to safely benefit from these products, we introduce standards and develop technologies and work methods which constitute what we call controlled use.