Phase-out of asbestos brake parts recommended
A draft report released for public comment proposes, as one of its recommendations, a phase-out of chrysotile (white asbestos) brake parts wherever possible.
The draft report - released by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) - is the result of an in-depth scientific review of chrysotile. NICNAS is calling for public comment on its report by November 2, 1998.
Chrysotile is known to cause cancer (lung cancer and mesothelioma) in humans.
The report presents information on risks to health from current manufacture and use of chrysotile products. In Australia this is mainly in the production of friction materials (for example, car brake parts) and gaskets for use in automotive and industrial applications.
While almost all new cars contain alternative non-asbestos brake parts, currently there is no law to stop these being replaced with asbestos brake parts.
The main recommendation of the report is that both manufacture and use of chrysotile products should be phased out in stages, as safer alternatives become available. For new cars, alternatives are already available. However, it is an issue for older cars, as safety testing needs to be carried out.
Similar phase-outs are also underway in a number of European countries.
The draft report makes a number of recommendations for ensuring the safety of the public and workers. Many factors have to be taken into careful consideration in order to ensure that phase-out is accompanied by a decrease in health risks, in particular to ensure that replacement products are safer.
Comments must be submitted to NICNAS by November 2, 1998. Comments received will be considered and a final report prepared later this year.
Copies of the 228 page report can be obtained free of charge from NICNAS on phone (02) 9577 9437 or fax (02) 9577 9465.
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Visit the NICNAS Web site at http://www.nicnas.gov.au
October 08, 1998
Page last updated: 06/07/2008