Final step towards asbestos ban

2005-10-28 13:18

Cape Town - New regulations on the use of asbestos will finally ensure that the mineral never again threatens the health of South Africans, says Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

The regulations - published for public comment on Friday - were approved by cabinet earlier this week.

"One of the key provisions is to prohibit all products and substances that contain asbestos. This will mean that no person may import or export such products and substances," Van Schalkwyk said in a statement.

Manufacture or distribution of such materials would also not be permitted.

"It is, however, recognised that there are a limited number of products for which no effective or immediate alternative exists, and the regulations require, in these cases, a phase-out plan to be developed and approved by government.

"In recognition of the reliance of some other SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries on asbestos exports, the regulations will also allow South Africa to be used as a transit point for some materials, as long as they are not further processed or repackaged, to ensure that we do not undermine neighbouring economies."

The minister said there has been a "dramatic" decline in local asbestos consumption, from more than 12 600 tons in 2000 to just over 7 700 tons in 2002.

"There are also fewer than 200 people employed in the domestic asbestos industry, and it is increasingly feasible to replace asbestos with alternative fibres. For these reasons the anticipated impacts will be minimal, especially in comparison to the expected health-care savings."

One study showed a complete ban on asbestos would result in a R27m a year short-term saving in compensation and health costs.

"For too many years communities across South Africa have lived with the dangers of asbestos and asbestos products - we are now taking the final steps to ensure that this health hazard never again threatens our people and our communities," said Van Schalkwyk.

- SAPA