Import, sale of asbestos products to be banned in Moldova

Chisinau, 23 September /MOLDPRES/- Import and marketing of asbestos products in Moldova will be banned, under a draft law approved by the government today.

"We are the only European country, which will allow import, storage and sale of these products. All the countries excluded these products ten years ago, we still have problems to this end", Environment Minister Valeriu Munteanu said. European Union has banned the use of asbestos products since 2005.

The draft law is debated "during five-six years and even now, for the third time, is approved by the government". 

"All attempts had major interest on behalf of producers (from Russia and Ukraine) and importers, who hindered adopting legislative measures in the favor of citizens and environment. We are sure that in the nearest future, Moldova will overcome this soviet reminiscence, which kills our citizens", a declaration made earlier by the Environment Ministry reads. 

Under the draft law, it will enter into force six months upon adoption. Marketing the asbestos products will be allowed during one year after entrance into force of the law, and the citizens will not be forced to get slate sheets off houses.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor A. Răileanu)