Canada Bans The Use Of Asbestos

Asbesetos has been banned in fifty countries worldwide except for the U.S and Canada.

Canada has finally decided to ban asbestos by 2018. Products containing asbestos will be banned from being manufactured and imported. Bill C-321 has been introduced in order to expedite the process.

Asbestos has been commonly used in Canada for fireproofing and to create durable pipes and popcorn ceilings. Supporters of the asbestos industry are concerned about the loss of employment and negative impact on the economy.

Canadian officials will revise building codes in order to abolish the use of asbestos during construction. Canada has been of the world’s biggest producers of asbestos prior to two mine closures in Quebec in 2012.

Canada started mining asbestos in the 1870’s. The government’s aim is to reduce asbestos related illnesses. An estimated 10,000 people have lost their lives in Canada due to asbestos related illnesses.

Experts predict that it will take quite some time before the U.S will follow suit.

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