MOLDOVAN AUTHORITIES INTEND TO BAN IMPORT OF CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS

Moldovan authorities intend to ban import of chrysotile asbestos, materials containing it and its sale on the territory of the republic. The corresponding legislative initiative was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment.

Head of waste and chemical department, Svetlana Bolocan reported at a press conference that nowadays chrysotile asbestos is not produced in Moldova but imported only from Russia.

"The World Health Organization recognized the chrysotile asbestos as dangerous for human health; it is especially dangerous for children and people who work in close proximity to the materials containing chrysotile asbestos", said Bolocan.

He noted that most often chrysotile asbestos is used for roof manufacturing (slate). At the same time, the population needs to know about the dangers of this material, the necessity to select alternative material for roof replacement. The old slate should be stored in a place isolated from children.

"Many Moldovans die of cancer for unknown reasons. Dust inhalation from chrysotile asbestos triggers cancer. That is why we have to ban this material. Each year, 20-30 thousand people get sick of the chrysotile asbestos and about 15 thousand people die", she said.

According to the bill, until 2019, the economic agents will have the possibility to sell materials containing chrysotile asbestos, imported into the country before the ban enters into force.