The Associated Press reports that the United Nation’s Environment Programme did not add chrysotile asbestos to the list of hazardous chemicals with special shipping requirements. The Rotterdam Convention, which includes 110 countries, could not agree on this type of asbestos, mainly because of opposition from the countries that export asbestos. Canada, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Iran all opposed the plan.
There are 39 chemicals, including other types of asbestos, on “Prior Informed Consent” list which means certain stipulations are placed on international trade.
“The World Health Organisation made a statement to the meeting warning that chrysotile can cause cancer and that at least 90,000 people die every year of asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and the respiratory disease mesothelioma.”