Asbestos Nation

EWG Action Fund /// Asbestos Nation

Asbestos bans around the world

Asbestos has been banned in 55 countries worldwide. But not in China, Russia, India, Canada – or the United States.

From the European Union to the Persian Gulf, from industrial states like Japan to Africa’s developing economies, 55 nations have banned asbestos, according to the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. (Some nations exempt minor uses.) Notable exceptions that still permit asbestos use are China, Russia, India, Brazil, Canada and the United States. The International...

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From the European Union to the Persian Gulf, from industrial states like Japan to Africa’s developing economies, 55 nations have banned asbestos, according to the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. (Some nations exempt minor uses.) Notable exceptions that still permit asbestos use are China, Russia, India, Brazil, Canada and the United States.

The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat is a non-profit information clearinghouse for individuals and groups that advocate a global asbestos ban and that seek to counter misinformation from the asbestos industry. It also serves as a platform asbestos victims.

National Asbestos Bans

Country Country Country Country Country
Algeria Czech Republic Iceland Malta Serbia
Argentina Denmark Ireland Mozambique Seychelles1
Australia Egypt Israel Netherlands Slovakia
Austria Estonia Italy New Caledonia Slovenia
Bahrain Finland Japan Norway South Africa
Belgium France Jordan Oman Spain
Brunei Gabon Korea (South) Poland Sweden
Bulgaria Germany Kuwait Portugal* Switzerland
Chile Greece Latvia Qatar Turkey
Croatia Honduras Lithuania Romania United Kingdom
Cyprus Hungary Luxembourg Saudi Arabia Uruguay

Notes: Exemptions for minor uses are permitted in some countries listed; however, all countries listed must have banned the use of all types of asbestos. The exemptions are usually for specialist seals and gaskets; in a few countries there is an interim period where asbestos brake pads are permitted.

1- In 2012 it was reported that due to lack of enforcement, asbestos-containing products were still being imported and used in the Seychelles.

Source: International Ban Asbestos Secretariat

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