The import and sale of asbestos in Moldova will be banned, as provided in a bill approved by the Government, IPN reports.

Minister of the Environment Valeriu Munteanu said that Moldova is the only country in Europe that allows importing, storing and selling products that contain asbestos. He reminded that the EU banned the use of such products in 2005.

“The roof slates are the most spread products that contain asbestos. These, if they are pulverized, become cancerous and are thus very dangerous,” stated Valeriu Munteanu.

According to the minister, the bill was submitted for approval earlier too, but was blocked by importers that bring such products into Moldova from Russia and Ukraine. Valeriu Munteanu expressed his conviction that Moldova will overcome this problem that affects the people’s state of health.

If it is adopted by Parliament, the bill will take effect within six months.

The minister also said that after the bill is passed, the sale of the supplies of products from asbestos will be allowed for a year, while the people won’t be forced to remove the slates from roofs.