Mesothelioma News: Activist worry on Asbestos Ban and TTIP Agreement – September 2016

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has been under negotiations for some three years. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership gives the promise of increasing an already strong relationship between the U. S. and European Union (E.U) nations. This will be done by boosting economic growth and adding to the already existing jobs created that are supported by the transatlantic trade and investment. In respect of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement, some critics and activists claim that the agreement threatens the asbestos ban, restrictions and laws that exist in the E. U.
Furthermore, activists have said the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will make it possible for the U. S. companies to export products containing the deadly mineral asbestos to European countries.

U. S. and E. U Asbestos bans and laws

The U. S. is one of the few countries that has not put in place a complete ban on asbestos in all its forms. The U. S. however, has in place Federal restrictions on the mineral but these are far less strict as compared to the E. U countries. As a result, of the ‘lax’ laws of the U. S., activists are concerned. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership treaty may stop the E. U from regulating in accordance to the precautionary system.

The precautionary system allows for E. U countries to ban a substance that is thought to be dangerous. The ban is imposed even though there is not enough proof of the risk. Therefore, the E. U countries do not need to be one hundred percent sure to ban a substance. However, the U. S. asbestos manufacturers can sue the Federal government for legislation that is thought to be inappropriate. In addition, these manufacturers can also sue if the legislation is thought to be unjustifiable or overreaching.