In a controversial development, Gansu Province, China, has announced a 'breakthrough' in exporting tremolite asbestos to India, raising significant health concerns among activists and health professionals. Jagdish Patel, a health rights activist, reported that this export follows a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban on chrysotile asbestos, which is already prohibited in 65 countries due to its health risks [485865d8].
Tremolite asbestos is particularly notorious for causing serious health issues, including asbestosis and lung cancer. The initial shipment will consist of 50 tons of tremolite asbestos, sourced from Aksay County, Jiuquan City, and is set to be transported to Lianyungang for shipment to India. This marks the first export of tremolite asbestos from Aksay County, which is known to hold over 45 million tons of tremolite asbestos reserves [485865d8].
Zhao Chundong from Aksay Taige Chemical Development Co. Ltd. has emphasized the improvement in foreign trade operations, suggesting that this export could pave the way for increased international trade in hazardous materials. Meanwhile, Sun Chengyu from Dunhuang Airport Customs has indicated that there are ongoing efforts to expand overseas markets for such products [485865d8].
The potential health implications of this export are alarming, considering that an estimated 100,000 deaths occur annually due to asbestos exposure globally. The export of tremolite asbestos to India could exacerbate public health issues, particularly in regions where regulations on asbestos use are lax [485865d8].
As the international community grapples with the health risks associated with asbestos, this development raises urgent questions about trade practices and the prioritization of human health over economic interests. Activists are calling for immediate action to halt the export of tremolite asbestos and protect vulnerable populations from its harmful effects [485865d8].