91997E3703

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3703/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE) to the Commission (19 November 1997)

Subject: Banning the use of asbestos

International studies show that asbestos is a really dangerous substance. In the 2000s as many as 10 000 a year people will die of diseases caused by asbestos, mainly lung cancer. Asbestos can be completely replaced by other materials, which have the same properties and are considerably safer.

The new use of asbestos is already prohibited in the Nordic countries, Germany, the Netherlands and France. The Commission has, however, for some reason or other delayed taking the decision to ban the use of asbestos. If the Commission allows the new use of asbestos to continue, it will no longer be possible to use national legislation to prevent the import of equipment and machinery containing asbestos.

What stage of preparation has the directive banning the new use of asbestos reached? These decisions are starting to become urgent, particularly in view of the dangers presented by asbestos. Moreover, some manufacturers use asbestos as a cheap competition tool in place of less dangerous but more expensive replacement substances. Do not the Commission's own bad experiences of the dangers of asbestos argue for a speedy decision?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (19 December 1997)

The Commission is collecting the information it needs to answer the question. It will communicate its findings as soon as possible.