[PASSED] Asbestos Consumption, Disposal+Worker Protection

[Erithaca]

The proposal has been submitted.

Good luck with submission.

Thanks!

[Araraukar]

The proposal has been submitted.

OOC: So can I now get answers?

OOC: As for mentioning the minerals, if asbestos doesn't exist in any other form, then why do you need to list the minerals at all? EDIT: And I still would suggest adding an "and" at the end of the second-to-last subclause of clause 7. Additionally, are you trying to mandate that all waste is tested for asbestos contents, or is that only for waste suspected of containing asbestos? And how do you measure the percentage? Weight? Volume? Other? And what if you're dumping a really big pile of rubbish at once that sill has a big pile of asbestos in, let's say pure dust form, but as a whole load it doesn't amount to that 0.1%?

[Erithaca]

OOC: As for mentioning the minerals, if asbestos doesn't exist in any other form, then why do you need to list the minerals at all? EDIT: And I still would suggest adding an "and" at the end of the second-to-last subclause of clause 7. Additionally, are you trying to mandate that all waste is tested for asbestos contents, or is that only for waste suspected of containing asbestos? And how do you measure the percentage? Weight? Volume? Other? And what if you're dumping a really big pile of rubbish at once that sill has a big pile of asbestos in, let's say pure dust form, but as a whole load it doesn't amount to that 0.1%?

Asbestos still needs to be defined, for example as a list of minerals. The "and" has been added. Whether nations test asbestos or work on suspection-based system is up to them, but it should be quite obvious if something will contain asbestos. For these purposes, scientific convention and common sense dictates that it will be measured by weight. An additional option for a weight based system would have been a good idea, however.

[Araraukar]

but it should be quite obvious if something will contain asbestos.

OOC: As someone who sat in the environmental council for 8 years (waste management permits were one of the things that came through the council), I can only say that 1. you'd be surprised what can be found in older buildings, houses, when they're being torn down but you're lacking any knowledge of what the walls had been stuffed with, and 2. how many contractors are willing to lie about what the building material waste contained and where they took it...
I still can't hear the words "purku ja piikkaus" and not shudder and groan... that stupid case took SIX YEARS to sort out!

[Arotania]

Is there any reason why disposal is only limited to landfills and thus forbids methods like thermal decomposition that simply transform asbestos into non-hazardous substances instead of burrying it and leaving it as a 'present' for future generations?

[Kranostav]

Im not a huge fan. The substance isn't harmful but the arbitrary time window and lack of a general need turn me off.

Perhaps if you went for a more of a building regulation approach I would feel better about it.

[Mordheimar]

Comrades, Mordheim concedes the need for regulations of this substance and its production to exist in order to save lives and improve workers health. That being said this resolution can not achieve that without undue damage to both our nations economy and our ability to construct new buildings in a safe and efficient manner. We will support building regulations and general safety practices but nothing more.

Asbestos is mined and processed in our nation. No living beings are allowed in any of these processes even though the risks are kept to a minimum. Once processed it is sent out to production facilities which again are kept free of living personnel. Here it is made into flame retardant and industrial moisture barriers. Both of these products use a proprietary locking matrix to keep fibers from escaping in the event of a catastrophic failure. Our nation then sells these products to many other nations generating a fairly large chunk of our GDP.

It is for this reason we will vote against this measure and urge then rest of the assembly to do so as well.

[Furry Things]

While a significant reduction in asbestos use is good in general, there are some things where it is still used and debate about whether or not chrysotile is harmful if used properly.

Mandates that member states shall bring into force a ban on the production and marketing of asbestos-containing products, along with mining for asbestos, coming into force by 6 years after the enactment of this resolution.

The complete and total ban of asbestos for any use is a bit concerning to me, so I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. If this was regulation and making this a hazardous substance rather than an outright ban, I think I'd be comfortable.

[Wallenburg]

"Exactly what are we to use to reinforce our cement to meet safety standards? What are we to do with asbestos in our standing structures? Are we to demolish entire cities and rebuild them in merely six years, just because their concrete contains asbestos? Are we to leave millions homeless and unemployed as building after building comes tumbling down in the name of 'public health'? Have you seriously not considered the implications of such extreme policies as these on member states?"

[The Sakhalinsk Empire]

"Exactly what are we to use to reinforce our cement to meet safety standards? What are we to do with asbestos in our standing structures? Are we to demolish entire cities and rebuild them in merely six years, just because their concrete contains asbestos? Are we to leave millions homeless and unemployed as building after building comes tumbling down in the name of 'public health'? Have you seriously not considered the implications of such extreme policies as these on member states?"

"Asbestos in only present in concrete that dates in the early 20th century. If most of your nation's buildings are made of newer concrete or are wooden or otherwise, there is no need to worry."

[Curupiri]

"Honorable Delegate, the language of clause 5 of this resolution appears to put the responsibility of asbestos risk disclosure on the manufacturer of the product unless they specifically cede that authority to the state. However, the risk of exposure does not end with the manufacturer but with the contractors who utilize these products and the consumers they serve. Once the manufacturer sells their product, they no longer have the authority to police how their product is used.

If an unscrupulous contractor or opportunistic supplier were to mislead or fail to disclose the asbestos in the products they are using (not manufacturing), leading them to violate clause 6 and expose individuals to a hazardous environment, will this bill leave the state and manufacturers liable for the damages and harm caused rather than the responsible party? As written, a construction agency does not need to disclose that they used asbestos-containing materials, since they did not make the product originally.

It is our concern that this resolution might be used as either a loophole for contractors to leave the government holding the bag for their misdeeds, or as a justification for corporations and government agencies to asset ownership and control over any product containing their materials after the sale is completed."

[The Royal Empire of the Lemons]

"Is it just me, or in clause 7, subclause e, does it mandate that landfill is the only option? Our nation recycles pretty much everything, and stores anything that cannot be until it can. Does this mean that we cannot recycle it as we currently do?
In addition, we are developing ways to mine and then 'recycle' asbestos into useful, safer materials. Is this now illegal?
If this resolution is all we think it to be, that is well-intentioned but to poor effect, especially to us, then I am voting against this resolution."

-Angelina Noel, Ambassador to the General Assembly for the Royal Empire of the Lemons

[Wallenburg]

"Exactly what are we to use to reinforce our cement to meet safety standards? What are we to do with asbestos in our standing structures? Are we to demolish entire cities and rebuild them in merely six years, just because their concrete contains asbestos? Are we to leave millions homeless and unemployed as building after building comes tumbling down in the name of 'public health'? Have you seriously not considered the implications of such extreme policies as these on member states?"

"Asbestos in only present in concrete that dates in the early 20th century. If most of your nation's buildings are made of newer concrete or are wooden or otherwise, there is no need to worry."

Ogenbond looks at the ambassador as if he has seen an alien. "Sir, it is the early twentieth century. Almost every concrete building I've been in has had asbestos reinforcing it."

[Mordheimar]

The esteemed delegate from Wallenburg may be in slight error on the current century, 21st, but he is entirely correct on the issue. We must continue to fight this comrades. Otherwise we will face an economic disaster.

[Shaktirajya]

We, the People's Hindu Matriarchy of Shaktirajya, view the earth as the embodiment of the Goddess Herself, and as such, We support any and all initiatives to protect the environment at the expense of industry.

Vaktaha Samajavadinaha Matarajasya Shaktirajasya

[Mordheimar]

It seems most everyone here is in agreement that protection of the environment is important. I support it as well, but a wholesale blanket policy banning a key component in construction for many developing nations is ludicrous! I would vote for this resolution if only it removed item 3. Item 3 is an ill conceived and arbitrary addition to an otherwise good piece of work. I implore you all to listen to reason on this and vote against it until it is changed.

[Derumia]

While Derumia does agree that it is important to limit the use of asbestos and has already banned asbestos, we cannot support this proposal for two reasons. Firstly, an arbitrary time limit for the ban of asbestos will cause severe damage to developing countries. Secondly, we do not believe this is a matter for the World Assembly but rather national and local authorities.

[New Beaton]

The official position of each of the United Cantons of New Beaton since the founding of our nation has been to uphold a strict moratorium on the usage of asbestos in any construction as well as any form of production of the substance due to the ecological hazards that using Asbestos in subterranean Antarctic constructions. We do agree with the delegates from Derumia and Mordheimar however as the substance, while dangerous, is used in many products as well as by under-developed nations.

As such We have decided to vote No on this proposal as we believe a flat ban on the material will do more harm than good.

[Araraukar]

OOC: Wallenburg RPs as a past tech nation. Just so all newbies know.

I cba put it in IC, but I've voted against based on the nonsensicality of clause 7.

[Kurtezan]

Abestos has many health benefits. Lung health, cancer deterrence, etc. I say it should be mandatory!

[Frisbeeteria]

Abestos has many health benefits. Lung health, cancer deterrence, etc. I say it should be mandatory!

How about we don't make silly troll posts, 'k?

[Splinterland]

Given the undo financial burdens placed on nations (especially developing nations) by sections 3, 6, and 7.
And given the significant overreach by an international body into the sovereignty of member nations by this resolution that addresses internal, rather than international issues.

The Republic of Splinterland votes AGAINST this resolution. It's garbage.

- Pete Rose, The Republic of Splinterland Ambassador to the World Assembly

[The Nee German Republic]

I'm sorry but I don't see how protecting against asbestos could possibly be a bad thing. Therefore The Nee German Republic is going to vote FOR this resolution. He Environment is by far way more important than some fat cats pocketing money at the entire planets expense.

[Splinterland]

I'm sorry but I don't see how protecting against asbestos could possibly be a bad thing. Therefore The Nee German Republic is going to vote FOR this resolution. He Environment is by far way more important than some fat cats pocketing money at the entire planets expense.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring element, though. The only members of the environment it affects negatively are humans. Why do you care if some backwards thinking nation wants to inhale silica fibers? That much better to kill off those filthy capitalists and leave the planet for the more reasonable people, right?

Vote AGAINST this garbage resolution.

- Pete Rose, The Republic of Splinterland Ambassador to the World Assembly

[The Republic of Topeka]

“We feel that this legislation is significantly beyond the scope of the World Assembly and should be left to sovereign, not international law. Many nations will already have relevant legislation regarding this internal policy issue.

Due to these circumstances, we can not support this proposal.”