A proposal introduced by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) and four other congressmen has paved the way for the World Bank to finalize a new policy that will significantly decrease the use of asbestos in new construction projects for developing countries. Read the rest of this entry »

Following a letter of inquiry spearheaded by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) and co-signed by four other Members of Congress, the World Bank has finalized construction guidance that would drastically decrease the use of asbestos in new construction projects.  The report, originally commissioned in 2006, was technically reviewed in 2008 but stalled awaiting final administrative approval.  In March 2009, Congressman Kucinich sent a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick questioning the delay. Read the rest of this entry »

HONG KONG–Dozens of nations were to sign a new treaty Friday to make ship recycling safer, but activists call it a step backwards for the environment and the labourers who carry out the dangerous work. Read the rest of this entry »

HONG KONG, China (CNN) — The United Nation’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) has gathered this week in the shipping hub of Hong Kong to draw up new rules on ship recycling. Read the rest of this entry »

Local companies using chrysotile fiber in the Philippines and serving the construction industry, transportation industry, industrial process, mining and others for almost 50 years: Read the rest of this entry »

Press Conference and Inter-Agency Consultation on the Development of a National Program for the Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases (NPEAD) Read the rest of this entry »

Talc powder has a wide number of uses. We are familiar with its use in baby powder and other cosmetic products, but it is also used in a variety of other industries. Talc powder is used in construction materials, plastics, rubber, coatings, pharmaceutical reasons, paper-making, agricultural reasons and much more. The reason why talc powder is used in these products is because the qualities of the products can be improved without increasing the price. Currently, talc powder is being researched to find even more uses for it. Read the rest of this entry »

The last voyage of the ship “Otapan” to a Turkish ship breaking yard last July was a victory for “pre-cleaning” advocates of reducing the human and environmental dangers inherent in ship dismantling and recycling. But does it also lead to decent working practices? Last week, experts from the ILO, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the Basel Convention met to discuss measures to promote guidelines that would make ship breaking not only clean but “green”. Questions and answers with a ship breaking expert from the ILO Sectoral Activities Branch. Read the rest of this entry »

China’s state quality watchdog said baby skin powder manufactured by German housekeeping and healthcare products maker MAPA has been removed from shelves in China for allegedly containing asbestos. Read the rest of this entry »

It may prove wise for the government to heed the call of Japanese shipowners to establish a shipbreaking industry in the country. After all, the Japanese themselves are already assuring the government of a steady stream of clientele in the midterm given that the global financial crisis is reportedly pushing many of their shipping firms to retire and scrap their vessels. Read the rest of this entry »