Government of Canada to ban asbestos

On December 15, 2016, the Government of Canada announced that it will move forward to ban asbestos and all asbestos-containing products by 2018.

Although asbestos mining has ceased in Canada, and use is restricted, asbestos-containing materials are still imported for certain applications, such as brake pads, tubes and pipes, and corrugated sheets and panels. As well, older asbestos-containing materials are still present in our built environment. Banning asbestos is an important step in reducing future exposure and cancer risk.

Asbestos is the commercial term for a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibres. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified asbestos as a known carcinogen (Group 1). Asbestos causes mesothelioma as well as cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovary. Exposure to asbestos can also cause asbestosis and other non-malignant respiratory diseases.

More information:

Government of Canada to ban asbestos – Canada NewsWire, 15 Dec 2016

Full asbestos ban, changed federal building codes, regulations, coming today – CBC News, 15 Dec 2016

Canada’s move to ban asbestos a ‘win for public health’ but long overdue: advocates – Globe and Mail, 15 Dec 2016

Occupational and environmental asbestos exposure in Canada – CAREX Canada

Occupational Cancer Research Centre resources