WRITTEN QUESTION E-3703/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (19 November 1997)

Subject: Banning the use of asbestos

International studies show that asbestos is a really dangerous substance. In the 2000s as many as 10 000 a year people will die of diseases caused by asbestos, mainly lung cancer. Asbestos can be completely replaced by other materials, which have the same properties and are considerably safer.

The new use of asbestos is already prohibited in the Nordic countries, Germany, the Netherlands and France. The Commission has, however, for some reason or other delayed taking the decision to ban the use of asbestos. If the Commission allows the new use of asbestos to continue, it will Longer be possible to use national legislation to prevent the import of equipment and machinery containing asbestos.

What stage of preparation has the directive banning the new use of asbestos reached? These decisions are starting to become urgent, particularly in view of the dangers presented by asbestos. Moreover, some manufacturers use asbestos as a cheap competition tool in place of less dangerous but more expensive replacement substances. Do not the Commission's own bad experiences of the dangers of asbestos argue for a speedy decision?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (16 January 1998)

The Commission shares the concerns expressed by the Honourable Member about the health effects of asbestos.

All types of asbestos are classified in the Community as category 1 carcinogens (ie. known to be carcinogenic to humans) and since the mid-1980s the Community has operated a policy of controlled marketing and use of asbestos. All but one of the different types of asbestos fibres are now banned completely and there are considerable restrictions on the remaining fibre, chrysotile. Fourteen categories of products containing chrysotile are also banned.

In addition to these restrictions on the marketing and use of asbestos-containing products, there are strict Community controls on exposure of workers to asbestos and on release of asbestos fibres to the environment.

Notwithstanding the progress made so far, the Commission shares the Honourable Member's feeling that the time is right to review the current legislative position across the Community. Including Finland, there are eight Member States which now have national restrictions on chrysotile asbestos which go beyond the current Community position. During the past 18 months the Commission has commissioned a series of studies and has held several meetings with the experts of Member States and other interested parties.

The most recent study assesses current scientific knowledge about the hazards and risks of chrysotile. It suggests that there are now safer alternatives available for almost all products for which chrysotile is currently used.

On the basis of what is known about the health risks, therefore, the Commission plans to propose a Community wide ban on chrysotile asbestos, with exceptions. This preliminary policy position was presented to Member States and industry at a working group meeting held on 9 December 1997. It is clear that there is a qualified majority in favour of the principle, although more discussion is needed to agree an acceptable list of exceptions. The details of the Commission proposal will depend in part on the outcome of a further study into the technical and economic consequences of substitution. This study should be completed by the end of March 1998, and a formal proposal for a directive will be made shortly afterwards.