The Chilean government has banned the use of asbestos in the construction and transportation sectors. This has been done in view of the adverse effects of asbestos on health. "Production, importation, distribution and sale of construction materials containing any type of asbestos is illegal," stated officials of the country's health ministry. However, asbestos can be used for other applications.
In 2000, the country's housing and urban development ministry had stopped using asbestos products in its housing projects.
Even the transportation ministry had banned the use of asbestos in vehicles. Pizarreno, a company that once manufactured 80 per cent of the nation's asbestos, has now started producing asbestos substitutes. However, some companies continue to produce asbestos, turning a blind eye to its ill effects.
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