Saudi Arabia bans asbestos

Saudi Arabia has banned the import, supply and use of asbestos, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

It said the Saudi Cabinet decided to ban the import of asbestos starting in 90 days. Factories and companies should stop using asbestos and get rid of any they have in 180 days, it said.

Asbestos, a natural, fireproof material once widely used in buildings, has been restricted or banned in many countries since scientists learned that its dust and fibbers could cause lung disease and cancer many years after they material is inhaled.