9 October 1995

Doc. 7409

MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION on the dangers of asbestos for workers and the environment

presented by Mr COX and others

1.       In recent years, public awareness of the dangers faced by people coming into contact with or working directly with asbestos has grown considerably following the disclosure of proven cases of occupational illnesses.

2.       Although the effects on individuals' health only manifest themselves many years after contact with asbestos, they are extremely serious and lead to long illnesses and, very often, death.

3.       While it would appear to have been established that asbestos is also harmful to the environment, it continues to be used in several member states of the Council of Europe, in the building industry and elsewhere.

4.       The Assembly therefore calls on the Committee of Ministers to commission a study of the use of asbestos, to define standards and to invite member states to apply them.

Signed:

(see overleaf)

Signed:

Cox, United Kingdom, SOC

Hardy, United Kingdom, SOC

Redmond, United Kingdom, SOC

Banks, United Kingdom, SOC

Gould, United Kingdom, SOC

Marshall, United Kingdom, SOC

Litherland, United Kingdom, SOC

Mackie of Benshie, United Kingdom, LDR

Cummings, United Kingdom, SOC

Hoffmann, Germany, SOC

Bindig, Germany, SOC

Baarveld-Schlaman, Netherlands, SOC

Err, Luxembourg, SOC

Rokofyllos, Greece, SOC

Papandreou, Greece, SOC

Guirado, Spain, SOC

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

*       SOC : Socialist Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group