Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Brazil (Ratification: 1990)

Articles 3(2) and 10 of the Convention. Review of national laws and regulations in the light of technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge. Replacement and prohibition of asbestos. The Committee notes the communication, including various annexes, provided by the Brazilian Association of Industries and Distributors of Fibrocement Products (ABIFibro), which was duly forwarded to the Government. The communication asserts that there has been technical progress in Brazil and the development of scientific knowledge which today allow the replacement of asbestos and that the time has therefore come for Brazil to prohibit any type of asbestos, and that the legislation needs to be revised in this respect, in accordance with Article 3(2) of the Convention. ABIFibro adds that the prohibition of asbestos would not eliminate jobs, because the industries have demonstrated their capacity for adaptation to new technologies without losing jobs. ABIFibro argues that the reasons justifying the use of chrysotile in Act No. 9055/95 respecting the use of asbestos are no longer valid. The Committee will examine this communication, together with the comments that the Government considers it appropriate to provide, in its next comment.

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