The European Union has voted to ban white asbestos by 2005, raising the
stakes in the transatlantic trade war. Blue and brown asbestos, which are potent
carcinogens, were banned by a European directive in 1991. Last week, member
states decided to add white, chrysotile asbestos to the list, following the
example of nine EU countries that have individually implemented bans. Canada,
the world’s largest exporter of asbestos, describes the decision as
“inappropriate”, having already complained to the World Trade Organization that
a ban on white asbestos by France was not made on health grounds.
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
2
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
3
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
4
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
5
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
6
Sperm have been made magnetic to allow IVF inside the body
7
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
8
The best new popular science books of June 2026
9
Cervical cancer deaths have plummeted thanks to HPV vaccine
10
Where did the laws of physics come from? I think I've found the answer
