Memorandum from The Health and Safety
Commission (EST 98H)
WHITE ASBESTOS
1. At the oral evidence session on 23 June you
asked Mr Hillier for an update on progress towards a ban on white
asbestos. You will recall that Mr Hillier provided a note to you
on 26 June following exchanges at the Select Committee. Mr Hillier
has asked me to respond direct to yourself.
2. On the 13 July the Department of Healths'
independent Committee on Carcinogenicity (CoC) agreed with the
conclusions of the Institute of Environmental Health (IEH) report.
The CoC opinion, which is available via the internet,[3]
concludes that:
"The carcinogenic risks posed by PVA fibres,
P-aramid fibres or cellulose fibres are likely to be less than
that posed by chrysotile."
3. The Health and Safety Commission and Ministers
have welcomed the Opinion of the CoC. The Commission on the 21
July considered that the opinion was sufficient endorsement of
the science that it should proceed to consider a draft consultative
document proposing further restrictions on the importation, supply
and use of white asbestos. The Health and Safety Executive have
been asked to provide a draft consultative document for the Commission
to consider when it next meets on 18 August. If the Commission
approve the document then it might be expected to be published
in September.
4. In view of the enormous public interest aroused
by the recent consultative document to strengthen worker protection
asbestos legislation, the Commission has already agreed in principle
that a three month consultation period would be appropriate.
5. Subject to a smooth passage through consultation,
The Commission would be in a position to advise Ministers on the
outcome of consultation in early Janaury.
6. The Health and Safety Commission issued a
press statement following its meeting on 21 July.
Rob Andrews
27 July 1998
3 http://www.open.gov.uk./doh/coc.htm. Back
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