Asbestos Legislation

Russia, which is the world's biggest producer of asbestos at approximately 1 million tons per year, may soon begin to consider regulating the industry after the Justice Ministry recently promoted a new law recognizing the occupational health risks related to the carcinogen.

According to Coordinator of International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS) Laurie Kazan-Allen, the law, which was proposed by Russia's Chief Sanitary Inspector, reflects a major shift in policy.

The Justice Ministry's decision to back the legislation comes just months after a World Health Organization meeting during which Russian asbestos stakeholders fought to prevent asbestos regulations from becoming reality, according to Kazan-Allen. In fact, such vested interests have long been able to keep the industry alive and flourishing in Russia.

However, as one Russian expert explained, the new law would circumvent the influence of the vested interests.

"It looks like a very progressive document in comparison with all documents previously developed in the country," the expert said. "It stresses asbestos danger and the need for protective measures."

The potential for Russia to begin regulating the asbestos industry comes as evidence continues to pile up that exposure to the carcinogenic material can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.