Somewhat belatedly, Turkey bans the procurement and use of asbestos throughout Turkey.
Asbestos was once considered the darling of building materials given its extraordinary resistance to heat, its absorbent qualities, and its tensile strength. Commonly used in roofing, tiles, paper production, ceiling and floor tiles, in packaging, and in gadgets, asbestos became popular in the latter half of the nineteenth century.
The trouble is, asbestos has deleterious effects on human health and on the environment. As such it finds itself on the list of materials that are known to be dangerous to humans.
Banned 21 years ago in the United States and in various stages throughout the western world, entry into the European Union also requires its prohibition.
Accordingly, Turkey has completely banned asbestos production, use, and supply.In addition to malignant lung cancer and mesothelioma, asbestos can cause asbestosis. Comprised of six naturally occurring silicate materials, its harmfulness has long been understood throughout the western world.
The Environment Management Directorate General said the ban would take effect today, and would comply with EU environmental regulations. As a result, the diseases and asbestos emissions into the environment will be eliminated.
:: todayszaman
More on environmental hazards in the Middle East:
Israeli Arabs and Jews Throw Out The Garbage Together
IDF Nahal Infantry Unit Afflicted by Cancer
Israel Elections: Platform on Environmental Issues
image via Orin Zebest
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
The previous response is quite correct. The ban proposed by the EPA in the U.S. was overturned by a court ruling in 1991. As of now, the use of some types of asbestos remains legal in the United States. To understand the processes behind the overturn of the ban see the article: October 18, 2011: A Bloody Anniversary
http://ibasecretariat.org/lka-a-bloody-anniversary-2011.php
Actually, Asbestos has *not* been banned in the US. While the EPA did succeed in getting it banned in 1989, the ban was overturned in 1991 on a technicality, making the US one of the only industrialized nations without a ban on the deadly substance. You can read more about this absurd situation here: http://banasbestosnow.com/
About time. It’s really dangerous and Turkey should recognise that.