Health Canada Quietly Begins Chrysotile Study

Health Canada, the country's federal health agency, has long been at odds with the World Health Organization and the Canadian Cancer Society about the health risks of chrysotile asbestos.

Previous studies and statements by the agency have downplayed a link between exposure to chrysotile and the development of lung diseases. Under domestic and international pressure, the agency began a new study of the material which will examine the relationship between chrysotile fibers and the development of diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Their findings will then be compared to existing data from studies of other forms of asbestos. The results will likely have a major impact on Canada's lucrative asbestos mining and production industries.

Critics are questioning the legitimacy of the study because of Canada’s recent efforts to prevent the addition of chrysotile to a worldwide list of hazardous substances during the last meeting of the Rotterdam Convention. The 111-country committee promotes trade talks and has the power to assign designations for potentially hazardous materials. The next meeting will occur in late October and the study will be a major component of Canada’s position when the material is up for debate.

The last major study on Chrysotile exposure occurred in 1998 when the World Health Organization labeled all forms of asbestos as responsible for high rates of lung cancer with no safe exposure levels.

Critics argue that even if the study reveals a definite health risk, the agency will downplay their findings because negative results could damage domestic relations with Quebec. The mining and production of chrysotile generates over $200 million a year from exports and is located almost exclusively in the Quebec province. Relations between Canada and Quebec have been tense during the past two decades and the region nearly declared independence in 1995.

The new chrysotile study was not announced to the public but revealed by Quebec’s Labor Federation during a successful attempt to delay a crucial vote on whether the country should adopt a domestic consumption ban.

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