CMNT_TITLE

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Japan (RATIFICATION: 1977)

Article 1 of the Convention. Periodic updating of the carcinogenic substances that are either prohibited or subject to authorization or control. The Committee notes with interest the information that the coverage of national legislation concerning carcinogenic substances and agents has been extended to include all kinds of asbestos and products containing asbestos as well as certain nickel compounds and formaldehyde among the regulated and prohibited substances, and that the definition of “asbestos” now includes “amosite” and “crocidolite” following the definition of asbestos of the ILO. The Committee also notes the comments by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (JTUC–RENGO) attached to the Governments’ report, according to which it raises concerns that the efforts of the Japanese Government in carrying out toxicity tests (including threshold assessments) remains inadequate due to budgetary constraints. JTUC–RENGO refers to reductions made in both the duration of testing procedures and the number of specimens tested, and considers that it is necessary for the Government to develop alternative testing procedures, in line with advances in toxicology, that can be carried out in shorter testing periods and at less cost, in particular in carcinogen research. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to address the concerns raised by JTUC–RENGO.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.