In a victory for environmentalists, the World Trade Organization is expected
to decide that banning asbestos does not break free trade rules. France bans all
asbestos as a health hazard. Canada, the world’s largest asbestos exporter,
insists it can be used safely, in which case France’s ban would be an
unjustified trade barrier
(New Scientist, 3 April 1999, p 51). But in a
confidential ruling leaked last week, scientists advising the WTO agreed that
all asbestos is carcinogenic. The ruling will mean that the EU can ban asbestos
in 2005, and will strengthen anti-asbestos campaigns in countries such as…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
3
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
4
We鈥檝e uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
5
How menopause radically changes the brain 鈥 and what happens after
6
Parenting may permanently improve brain health for mums and dads
7
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
8
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
9
You should turn off fans when it's too hot 鈥 but how hot is too hot?
10
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
