Feb 15, 2010 - Alert over Asbestos Containing Tiles from China
An alert was issued in Australia by WorkCover New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Competitor and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regarding white decorative wall tiles imported from China that were found to contain asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in the manufacture of many industrial and building products because of its highly insulating properties. Once it was clearly established that exposure to asbestos causes serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma and other forms of lung cancer, many industrialized countries placed strict regulations and bans on its use.
The tiles imported from China were discovered to contain a type of asbestos known as tremolite. Tremolite belongs to the amphibole class of asbestos and is currently banned by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and is either banned or highly regulated in its use in other countries. The imported tiles have a brand name of Snow White and all use of the tiles should be avoided.
Anyone who may have the product installed should have them removed by an asbestos removal specialist who can do so safely and dispose of the contaminated materials properly. WorkCover NSW has more information and photographs of the tiles for those who may be concerned or affected.