Asbestos Legislation

In March, the Knesset, Israel's parliament, approved a law that bans new uses of asbestos.

The Prevention of Asbestos Hazards Law not only prohibits new uses of the naturally occurring mineral, it also calls for the phasing out of friable asbestos from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) vehicles and equipment, public buildings and industrial facilities, according to a release from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which initiated the action.

Friable asbestos, in contrast to non-friable asbestos, can be easily pulverized. If this dust is inhaled it can lead to a range of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The act calls for asbestos to be completely phased out of IDF equipment within seven years and from public and industrial facilities within 10.

In addition, the act will require that asbestos workers, inspectors and assessors be licensed to work with the substance, which was once widely used as an insulator and flame retardant.

Many countries are now becoming aware of the serious toll asbestos can take on a population. The World Health Organization says that 107,000 people are killed each year as a result of asbestos-related diseases.