Posted: Friday, 8 May 2009

Health Canada convened the expert panel to assess cancer risks associated with today's typical chrysotile asbestos exposure in Canada, and to give an opinion on how the proportion of tremolite in commercial chrysotile influences the exposure-response relationship between chrysotile and risk. The panel was also asked to qualify risk estimates by putting a figure on their uncertainty, such as credibility ranges or, where possible, a probabilistic representation of plausible values.

In assessing the risks for chrysotile exposure, participants were instructed to consider tremolite-free chrysotile, even though it may not exist naturally. Likewise, when considering the role of tremolite in exposure risks, it was acknowledged that data on the extent of tremolite contamination is often unavailable. Therefore, participants were instructed to give estimates based on current information and knowledge.

• Read more - Download the report.
• Read the CLC policy on asbestos.