Translated by The Asbestos Institute
Government of Québec
Charlesbourg, July 3, 1996 - Responding to the asbestos ban in France, Ms. Carrier-Perreault declared, "we are surprised and disappointed, especially with the extreme severity of this decision which will affect the production, import, and sale of asbestos-containing products, notably, asbestos-cement."
The Minister indicated that she had not yet received the study prepared by the French national institute for health and medical research; the study seems to have provided the basis for the decision by the French government. "We would have welcomed the opportunity to analyze and comment on the results of the study," Ms. Carrier-Perreault added.
Noting that the decision will affect roughly 5% of Quebec's asbestos exports--that is, 28,200 metric tonnes out of a total export volume of 524,300 tonnes (in 1994)--the Minister once again stated the government's complete confidence in the quality and safety of asbestos produced in Quebec. "From the point of view of health considerations, asbestos from Quebec can be used safely. Moreover, Convention 162 of the International Labour Organisation, to which we subscribe, provides safe-use conditions for asbestos across the world."
Ms. Carrier-Perreault also stated that the much-publicized debate over asbestos use in France must have influenced French decision-makers. "In the future, we hope to bring to bear the results of studies conducted on replacement products. We intend to take part in this issue by providing well-documented scientific data," the Minister added.
Recalling that a U.S. court had rejected a similar ban in 1991 on the basis of scientific evidence, Ms. Carrier-Perreault hoped that this latest episode would in the medium- and long-term have a beneficial effect on the vitality of the asbestos industry.
Source: Christian Larivière
Political Attaché
Government of Quebec
(418) 643-7295