In a call for public health and safety, a group of experts and organizations have urged the Supreme Court of Brazil to enforce a complete and final ban on asbestos. This appeal was formalized in a letter sent on August 9, 2024, to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) following a seminar titled “Contemporary Challenges of Asbestos Post-Ban,” held on July 30 at Fundacentro in São Paulo. The seminar, organized by Fundacentro and various partners, highlighted the ongoing dangers posed by asbestos, particularly the chrysotile asbestos still being mined in Minaçu, Goiás.
The Case Against Asbestos: Health and Environmental Risks
Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been linked to severe health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer. Despite its known risks, asbestos remains a contentious issue in Brazil. Although its use was banned in 2017, a loophole in Goiás law allows the extraction and export of chrysotile asbestos, putting workers and communities at significant risk.
The seminar brought together professionals from various fields, including occupational health and environmental science, to discuss the persistent threat of asbestos in Brazil. Participants emphasized that the ongoing extraction of asbestos in Minaçu not only endangers the workers directly involved but also poses a broader public health risk. The entire supply chain—from mining to transportation—exposes countless individuals to the deadly fibers, extending the danger far beyond the immediate vicinity of the mine.
The Appeal to the Supreme Court
The letter sent to STF President, Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, underscores the urgency of a total ban on asbestos in Brazil. It calls on the court to reject any further extensions for asbestos mining and to prioritize the health of Brazilian workers and the environment. This appeal is particularly timely as the Supreme Court is set to vote on Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI 6200) on August 14, 2024. The ADI, filed by the National Association of Labor Prosecutors (ANPT), challenges the Goiás state law that permits asbestos extraction for export.
In her presentation at the seminar, Tatiana Campelo, a prosecutor with the Labor Prosecutor’s Office (MPT), stressed that maintaining the asbestos ban is crucial for protecting not only Brazil’s population but also the global community. The letter supports this view, arguing that the ban should be definitive and immediate, without any further delays or concessions.
Broad Support for the Ban
The letter was signed by a wide range of stakeholders, reflecting the broad consensus on the need for a complete ban. Signatories included representatives from Fundacentro, the Brazilian Association of Asbestos-Exposed Workers (Abrea), the State Center for Occupational Health Surveillance (Cerest) in São Paulo, the Labor Prosecutor’s Office, the Institute for Oncology Study and Prevention in Florence, Italy, the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of São Paulo (USP), and the São Paulo Civil Construction Industry Union (Sinduscon/Seconci/SP), among others.
The united stance of these organizations underscores the gravity of the situation. As the letter points out, the dangers of asbestos are not confined to those directly handling the material. The risk extends to entire communities, as asbestos fibers can easily become airborne and contaminate surrounding areas.
Moving Forward: The Need for Action
As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on ADI 6200, the outcome will have significant implications for public health in Brazil. The decision will either reinforce the existing ban on asbestos or potentially allow its continued extraction and export, with all the associated risks. The letter from Fundacentro and its partners serves as a crucial reminder of what is at stake.
The call for a total ban is not just about protecting workers in the asbestos industry; it is about safeguarding the health of the entire nation. The seminar’s participants made it clear that the time for half-measures is over. Brazil must join the growing list of countries that have not only banned asbestos use but also its extraction, to prevent future generations from suffering the devastating effects of asbestos-related diseases.