It seems that Canada is ignoring the health warning of asbestos and is not considering it to be a hazardous chemical. Geneva, Switzerland is currently debating whether asbestos should be considered to be listed on the hazardous chemical list.

Many critics are outraged with Canada’s decision to ignore the health risks asbestos can bring upon. They are suggesting that there should be tightened restrictions on the use of asbestos that is used in construction.

The Liberal and Green MPs are upset with the Conservative government to reverse their decision and allow it be on hazardous list. The chemical is considered to be cancerous if inhaled. Other critics including the international public health experts are suggesting that Canada follows suit with other countries to consider the chemical as extremely hazardous.

Pat Martin, NDP MP, has slammed the Harper government for opposing to put asbestos on an international list of hazardous chemicals. "Asbestos is the greatest industrial killer the world has ever known. More people die from asbestos than all industrial causes combined, yet Canada continues to be one of the largest producers and exporters in the world”.

Canada is the only G8 country to object to the listing.