The woes of the workers in the asbestos industry were heard during a national conference held in the national capital on 8 November 2004. The health hazards of the people who work in the industry were narrated at the meeting organised to strengthen the call for a ban on the asbestos industry. The following is the text of a resolution and joint statement adopted at the conference:

¨ WE view with deep concern the increasing trade and use of asbestos in various industries in spite of the existence of ILO Convention on Aesbestos, 1986, the Basel Convention, 1989, the IPCS/WHO – EHC 203 on chrysotile aesbestos, 1998, as well as the Supreme Court judgement of 1995, total ban of asbestos in about 40 countries

¨ Acknowledge that viable alternatives to asbestos do exist

¨ Affirm based on scientific studies and clinical evidence that asbestos in all its varieties is carcinogenic.

¨ Recognise that asbestos is hazardous to human health and environment.

¨ The group recognised the other civil society networks and movements including those engaged on Right to Information, Right to Food, Right to Employment and Livlihood, Right to Health and will interact with them to include them in the movement against asbestos.

¨ The group condemns the false information put out by the industry and its sponsored agents, to misinform and confuse the public about the hazards of asbestos in particular chrysotile

¨ Further the group is open to dialogue and interact with the Government and the industry to further the cause of worker and citizen’s health.

In order to achieve the above the following specific measures are recommended

¨ Government of India should ratify the ILO convention on asbestos immediately ¨Government to ban import of asbestos in all forms in particular white asbestos (chrysotile) ¨ Government to ban all asbestos mining, use, trade and other indigenous activities ¨ Condemn the custom duty concessions with immediate effect ¨ Government to establish an effective infrastructure to detect illness caused by asbestos and ensure compensation for affected people by establishing the liability of the employers and alternative employment. ¨ Ensure health surveillance ¨Call upon the government to synchronise all laws so that hazards of asbestos can be clearly articulated.

The participants resolve to form a Steering Committee and a broader Joint Action Committee with the objective of mobilising public opinion against the use of asbestos and work towards its total ban.