Scientists fail to clarify rules for asbestos

Date: 12/02/1998

By Simon Coss

EUROPEAN Commission plans to introduce EU-wide rules on the use of asbestos appear to have run into trouble.

A committee of scientific experts met last week to discuss the drawing up of a definitive list of circumstances in which the substance , recognised to be carcinogenic, could be used or sold.

But Commission officials say the conclusions of that meeting were too vague. "The scientists met last week but their answer was unclear," said Jochen Kubosch, spokesman for Industry Commissioner Martin Bangemann.

Eight EU member states (Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland) have already banned the use of asbestos. Belgium announced earlier this month that it would soon follow suit.

Six countries (Ireland the UK, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Austria) still import asbestos for various controlled products.

The Commission wants to harmonise regulations to assist firms operating in more than one EU member state.

"Our basic approach will either be to propose a general ban with a set of exemptions, or to say use in certain circumstances will be allowed with an annexe setting out detailed criteria," said Kubosch.

Asbestos was used as a fireproofing agent until 1980, and was regularly sprayed on to the superstructures of new buildings. One of them was the Commission's old Berlaymont headquarters, which is currently shrouded in protective sheeting while the substance is removed.

It also has other uses, for instance in brake linings for trucks and aircraft and as a sealing agent in machinery operating at extremely high temperatures.

Officials at the European Advisory Council of the Asbestos International Association argue that the use of asbestos in such specific circumstances should be allowed until viable alternatives have been found.