International Ban Asbestos Secretariat1 Compiled by Laurie Kazan-Allen See also: Current Asbestos Bans (Revised June 3, 2020) New Zealand:on June 15, Minister Dr. Nick Smith told Parliament that the import of asbestos-containing material would be prohibited as of October 1 (see: Government statement to Parliament June 15, 2016); imports of raw fiber were already banned....
All types of asbestos cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary, and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs). Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres in air in the working environment, ambient air in the vicinity of point sources such as factories handling asbestos, or indoor air in housing and buildings containing friable (crumbly) asbestos materials.
“The most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is to stop using all types of asbestos. Continued use of chrysotile asbestos cement in the construction industry is a particular concern, because the workforce is large, it is difficult to control exposure and in-place materials have the potential to deteriorate and pose a risk to those carrying our alternations, maintenance and demolition.”
