Appeal to Renew Asbestos Mine Leases in India Withdrawn
Efforts in India to repeal a ban on renewal of leases for asbestos mines have been dropped, most likely due to push back from organizations that have clearly established that exposure to asbestos leads to illnesses such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Despite bans and highly regulated use of asbestos in many parts of the world, India continues to mine and manufacture the toxic mineral. Historically, workers have not been given any protections against exposure, have not been tracked, and have no recourse when they develop asbestos related diseases. In addition, family members of workers and anyone living in the vicinity of mines or production facilities are not protected nor given medical or financial help when ill.
Last year, there was an effort to renew leases to open and operate asbestos mines throughout India, with proponents claiming that “white” asbestos, the only type being mined in India, was not a hazard to health. Chrysotile asbestos is often referred to as “white asbestos” and studies have shown that it is not as deadly as other amphibole types. However, much research has also clearly established that there are no safe types of asbestos and no safe levels of exposure, even with chrysotile.
A report by the Indian Bureau of Mines submitted to the National Asbestos Information Centre last year prompted the attempt to lift bans on renewal of existing asbestos mine leases and to grant fresh ones. Activists quickly responded with evidence showing that indeed workers health is adversely affected.
Rajasthan, India is the largest producing region of asbestos in India. Most of India’s asbestos is used in building materials, especially cement roofing sheets. Whereas other countries have banned or reduced, India’s asbestos industry is increasing. Official statistical and health records are not kept of workers, ex-workers, family members, or people living in vicinity of mines and factories. If such records were kept, they would definitely reflect even higher death tolls related to exposure to asbestos than what are currently established.
International and national organizations against the mining, manufacture, and use of asbestos such as WHO, the Occupational and Environmental Health network of India (OEHNI), and National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) have conducted many studies that show that asbestos, including chrysotile, lead to illness and death. Such organizations, as well as environmental and health activists, applaud the fact that efforts to renew and provide new leases for asbestos mining in India have been dropped.
