In September of 2003 Canada's taxpayer-funded Asbestos Institute engaged in media stunt with a potential cost to human life. The organization funded by the Canadian government to promote asbestos use in the developing world, handed out press releases touting new and innovative uses for chrysotile (white) asbestos. The paper the release was printed on contained more information than most would expect.

At the bottom of the sheet were the words "This press release is printed on chrysotile paper." This stunt was designed to suggest that chrysotile is so safe, it can be used as a substitute for regular paper. However recent analysis has revealed that this paper is anything but safe.

Two accredited laboratories have analyzed the paper and revealed that it contains between 60 and 80% raw chrysotile asbestos fibre (the remaining per cent is organic material). Analyst John Master, the Operations Director of S. P. Shutler Associates in Newcastle under Lyme, UK, revealed that while he has previously viewed other kinds of asbestos paper used for insulation produced decades ago, this particular paper possessed the highest asbestos content he has ever seen.

Even more distressing is the fact that this paper was not bound into a matrix by any substance. Thus fibres would likely be released into the air with rough handling or tearing of the paper.

Chrysotile asbestos is a Class 1 carcinogen and as such, there is no safe exposure level for the fibre. As such, Ban Asbestos Canada is greatly concerned that this carcinogenic substance is being given out to the public. We feel it represents a massive disregard for public health and should be a considered a violation of occupational health and safety codes. Furthermore, victims of asbestos-related diseases, caused by exposure to Canada's chrysotile asbestos, are insulted that the Asbestos Institute would suggest that the public use such a dangerous product when there is such a safe alternative available. BAC is also considering the criminal implications of this act.

Given the nature of this act, BAC asks that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police look into this matter and treat it as a serious threat to public safety.

An article on the press release can be found in the November 22, 2003 edition of the Toronto Star. The piece by reporter Peter Gorrie is entitled "Asbestos makeover reignites old battle.