Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of tiny fibers that are resistant to fire and heat. It has been used for centuries in the construction of homes and buildings, as insulation, and in a variety of other commercial and industrial applications. The global asbestos trade has been a major part of the world economy for the last century, but has been the subject of much controversy due to its health effects.
In Canada, the mining, production and use of asbestos has been linked to numerous cases of mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In 2012, the Canadian government announced a ban on the mining, production and use of asbestos in Canada, making it the first G7 country to do so.
Despite the ban, asbestos is still widely used in many parts of the world, including the United States, India and China. Asbestos is a cheap and abundant material, and it is often used in developing countries where safety regulations are less stringent. This has resulted in a global trade of asbestos that is contributing to the number of people who are exposed to it every year.
The global asbestos trade has had a significant impact on Canada. Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, are on the rise in Canada due to the fact that the country is still importing asbestos from other countries. This puts Canadians at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, even though the use of the mineral is prohibited in Canada.
In addition, Canada is still a major exporter of asbestos, despite its ban on its use. Much of this asbestos is sent to developing countries, where it is used without adequate safety precautions. This allows asbestos to continue to spread around the world, putting more and more people at risk of developing these deadly diseases.
The global asbestos trade has had a devastating impact on Canada, and it is one that needs to be addressed. Canada should continue to take steps to reduce its own use of asbestos, as well as its exports of the mineral. In addition, more needs to be done to ensure that other countries are following safety regulations and adequately protecting their citizens from the dangers of asbestos. Until this happens, the global asbestos trade will continue to put Canadians, and people around the world, at risk.