The Occupational and Environmental Health Network of India (OEHNI) published the National Asbestos Profile of India on April 28, 2017 - International Workers Memorial Day. The hazards of Asbestos are well known. 55 countries have banned its use, trade, import, mining, manufacturing and other economic activities related to asbestos. Nepal banned asbestos in 2014 while Sri Lanka has declared to ban import of asbestos roof sheets from 2018. The Government of Sri Lanka plans to cease use of all asbestos products by 2024.
India does not mine asbestos. It depends on import from Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil etc. Canada was the biggest exporter of asbestos to India but Canada too has banned asbestos export. India is one of world’s largest importers of asbestos. In 2011-12, it has imported over 378,122 tons, 396,493 tons in 2014-15 and by 2017 it is expected to rise by 605,000 tons with 9% growth.
At the same time asbestos related diseases are on the rise. In Ahmedabad during 2009-2012, 21 cases of mesothelioma were reported at Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmedabad while in 2013, in a span of one year, 23 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed. Mesothelioma is one of the rare cancers caused by exposure to asbestos fibre. Occupational Safety and Health Association(OSHA) an NGO based in Gujarat has identified 4 cases of mesothelioma of which two were employed by an asbestos factory, one was employed in foundry in Ahmedabad and one more had secondary exposure whose father had worked in the same asbestos factory, Gujarat Composites. Moreover, two more cases of other cancers have been found in employees of this factory which have identified to be as a result of asbestos exposure. Since 2010, Turner & Newall Trust has paid compensation to 1045 workers who worked in their subsidiaries in India.
For the last ten years chrysotile asbestos has been recommended for listing in the Rotterdam Convention which adds restrictions to its trade. It has been blocked by a few countries who gain directly from the export of asbestos. Though there is credible and adequate scientific evidence about the deadly nature of asbestos, the Government of India is refusing to learn lessons. At the Rotterdam Convention meetings, India has not favoured to include chrysotile asbestos in Prior Informed consent (PIC) list. The Conference of Parties – COP8 will take place in early May in Geneva. We urge Government of India to take a firm step to protect the workers and citizens from asbestos.
Rajendra Pevekar, who is an asbestos victim from Mumbai will represent asbestos victims in India at this meeting to present their demands and appeal to one and all to include chrysotile asbestos in the PIC list to restrict trade of one of the deadliest materials.
The report is supported by OEHNI, PTRC, AMRC, ABAN, IBAS and Solidar Suisse. The National Asbestos Profiles have been developed in the Asian region by the Asian Ban Asbestos Network (ABAN).