Rotterdam convention

The Rotterdam convention was introduced in February 2004. It includes two parts :

• " The prior informed consent (PIC) procedure;
• An information exchange procedure.

To date a total of 39 pesticides and hazardous industrial chemicals are included in the PIC procedure. The list includes the following amphibole fibres: actinolite, anthophyllite, amosite, crocidolite and tremolite.

Most of the products shown on the PIC list are already banned or subject to strict controls.

In 2004, the Prochrysotile Movement and the population of the Thetford Mines and Asbestos Regions strongly objected to the inclusion of chrysotile in the PIC list. Such an inclusion would result in the end of chrysotile exports in most countries.

The Arguments of the Prochrysotile Movement are self explaining:

• " Chrysotile is a natural mineral present everywhere in the earth's crust and does not constitute a threat for the environment;
• " Chrysotile fibres are properly packaged in sealed bags, palletized and transported overseas by containers;
• " Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are supplied to every customer and each bag of product is clearly identified with a safety warning and the handling procedure;
• " Chrysotile use in each country is subjected to national safety standards;
• " Canada and Canadian chrysotile producers give technical support to make sure that the fibre is used under optimal and safe conditions;
• " The excessive administrative burden that would be imposed on exporting and importing countries does not justify the hypothetical gains in terms of safety and environment protection.

RESULTS :

In 2004 and 2006, Canada and other countries successfully objected to the inclusion of chrysotile in the Rotterdam Convention. The manufacturers and exporters of replacement products were disappointed but ? they will try again in 2008. It is really a commercial war under the cover of environmental protection.