The government of India and the Indian asbestos industry has joined together in a study of the use of the mineral asbestos in that country. But those who oppose the study believe the two groups are “generating” a science that will help the industry survive a global move to cut down use of the cancer-causing material.

According to an article in The Times of India, “prominent trade unions and civil society groups have complained to the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers against [the study], presenting evidence secured through the Right to Information Act proving that industry and the ministry was ‘manufacturing’ convenient science.”

Each year, India imports 3 metric tonnes of asbestos from Russia and Canada and uses it primarily in the construction industry. The widespread use of the toxic mineral has caused environmental groups and others to express their anger at the Indian government for allowing the use of asbestos to continue. Rates of asbestos-related diseases continue to rise in India.

The article notes that the government plans to bring the study to this year’s Rotterdam Convention where a body of experts called the Chemical Review Committee recommends whether a hazardous product has met the criteria of the convention and should be placed on a special list of substances that would require countries to obtain prior consent before they can export the product. In the past, Canada has led the fight against placing white – or chrysotile – asbestos on this list of hazardous materials.

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