Jul 5, 2009 - South Korea Enforces Asbestos Ban
The Korean Agency for Technology released standards completely banning manufacturers from using asbestos for products for children and products such as balloons, chalk, and brake pads. Such products have a high risk of asbestos particles becoming airborne and inhaled.
Asbestos was commonly used in floor tiles, pipe insulation, and many manufactured products because of its fire, heat and erosion resistant properties. Asbestos, when inhaled, can damage the lung and body, causing serious illnesses such as asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.
In 2007 and again in April of this year, the South Korean Ministry of Labor announced that the manufacture, import and use of asbestos will be completely banned beginning in 2009. In April, it was discovered that the talcum powder being used in many items ranging from surgical gloves to medicines to cosmetic products to common household items were contaminated with asbestos. South Korea’s drug and safety agency recalled and banned the sale of thousands of medical goods containing talcum powder and the government banned imports of all talcum powder containing the toxic mineral.
The recent events have caused the general public to become concerned and to call for proper action to prevent risk of exposure. Preventing or decreasing levels of exposure is vital to preventing asbestos related diseases from developing for decades to come. The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has promised to establish stricter regulations on the use of asbestos, especially in domestic products such as balloons, wallpaper, and bicycle brake pads.
The new regulations are to be in effect starting September.
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