Canada No Longer Opposes Asbestos As Carcinogen

Canada has long been hesitant to support strict regulations that limit the usage of asbestos and emphasize its dangers as a carcinogen that causes mesothelioma. However, Industry Minister Christian Paradis recently annoucned a change in the nation's policy by formally dropping the nation’s opposition to listing asbestos as a hazardous material.

Canada had previously opposed the listing in part because of the country’s active asbestos mining/exporting industry. Classifying asbestos as a dangerous material could prove detrimental to the industry.According to Reuters, Canada is the only Western developed country that exports asbestos.

The attempt to classify asbestos as a hazardous material is listed under the United Nations’ Rotterdam Convention. "It would be illogical for Canada to oppose the inclusion of chrysotile (asbestos) in...the Rotterdam Convention when Quebec, the only province that produces chrysotile, will prohibit its exploitation," said Paradis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma that can be attributed to asbestos exposure, call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding an asbestos lawsuit.

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