Preamble

Although the European Union has adopted directives to ban the use of all types of asbestos by 2005, scientists predict that the total burden of asbestos-related disease and death in the coming thirty years will be huge. In view of the rising number of asbestos victims, the delegates to the European Asbestos Seminar held at the European Parliament on 7 & 8 June, 2001 wish to make the following recommendations to the European Commission, the European Parliament and governments of Member States:

Regarding the Politics of Prevention:

The development of local, national and international networks for the identification and recording of sources of occupational and environmental asbestos exposure

The rejection of proposals intended to raise the current level of acceptable concentration of asbestos in waste material

The development and implementation of techniques for treatment of asbestos-containing waste

To end the derogation permitting the continued use of asbestos for chlorine production.

Regarding Victim’s Rights:

The harmonisation of criteria for the identification and compensation of asbestos-related occupational and environmental diseases

The study of inter-country legislative differences regarding criminal responsibility for asbestos-related diseases

Regarding New Research Priorities

A commitment to medical surveillance of exposed populations in order to provide victims  with access to effective medical treatment and compensation

A commitment to equal access to diagnosis and treatment to ensure the availability of specialised care based on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches proven to be effective

The integration of clinical research with investigations into the human and social costs of asbestos-related diseases to victims and their families

Regarding Double Standards

The operations of European companies and their subsidiaries in non-EU countries be monitored and that corporate behaviour which infringes European asbestos regulations be identified and prosecuted.

The prosecution of EU corporations which have exposed former workers, the public and the environment to asbestos within the EU and the setting of compensation levels guaranteed by funds put up by Member States

Encourage the ILO and WHO to update asbestos-related measures such as ILO convention 162 and Chrysotile Criteria 203 in line with European Directives.

Conclusion:

   The Seminar acknowledges the pivotal role of asbestos victims’ groups in improving the plight of asbestos victims and strongly urges that the EU cooperates with these groups, social movements and NGOs working in this field as is the practice of the United Nations.

 It is clear that many East European countries have problems relating to the unregulated and continuing use of asbestos. We strongly recommend that steps be taken to evaluate the extent of these problems.