I write concerning the package of articles in CMAJ on the call for a ban on asbestos.1,2,3 A few years ago I wrote to the Canadian and Quebec governments suggesting that asbestos should be exported only to countries that could ensure that asbestos was handled with the same precautions that were legislated in Canada. Some form of supervision by independent experts, excluding all apologists and activists, would be required. My proposal did not receive support; I was told that it was not practical, that it represented interference with foreign countries, and that other exporters would rush to fill the void.
However, I feel that in the absence of assurances concerning the handling of asbestos in receiving countries, there is a clear moral choice to make. The same issues should concern those who profit from the export of pesticides.
Signature
David C.F. Muir
Internist Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation Hamilton, Ont.
References
- 1.LaDou J, Landrigan P, Bailar JC III, Foa V, Frank A, on behalf of the Collegium Ramazzini. A call for an international ban on asbestos [editorial]. CMAJ 2001;164(4):489-90. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 2.Camus M. A ban on asbestos must be based on a comparative risk assessment [editorial]. CMAJ 2001; 164(4):491-4. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
- 3.Siemiatycki J. Should Canadian health care professionals support the call for a worldwide ban on asbestos? [editorial]. CMAJ 2001;164(4):495-7. [PMC free article] [PubMed]