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The EU Directive 1999/77/EC, prohibiting new applications of chrysotile, exempted diaphragms used in electrolysis to produce chorine and caustic soda in existing chlor-alkali plants until they reach the end of their service life, or until suitable asbestos-free substitutes become available, whichever is sooner. There is no technical justification for extending this exemption after January 2008, when it is scheduled for review. Economic interests should not take precedence over the social and environmental costs imposed by the asbestos production required for this industry. The EU Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment should not further delay the necessary decision on a total and immediate worldwide ban of the mining, manufacturing, and all uses of asbestos.

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) has received support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Office (ILO) to publish the African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety. The African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety should not be a medium for industry propaganda, or the source of misinformation among the workers of Africa. Instead, FIOH should provide the same level of scientific information in Africa that it does in Finland and other developed countries.

The ICOH has played a key role in the development of some scientific documents and policy recommendations, but it has not always been scientifically objective, particularly in regard to asbestos and other fibers and some chemicals and pesticides. Many ICOH members are employees of corporations or consultants to industry, serving multinational corporate interests to influence public health policy in the guise of a professional scientific organization. ICOH members' conflicts of interest with the public health dominate the organization and damage the standing of the ICOH. Official recognition of the ICOH compromises the credibility of the WHO and the ILO. It is inappropriate for the ICOH to continue to receive WHO and ILO recognition unless the ICOH is recognized as an industry organization.

European and Canadian asbestos companies have long taken advantage of the lack of regulation of the asbestos industry in developing countries. Their activities exploit vulnerable workers whose lack of medical care may result in a silent epidemic of asbestos-related diseases. At this time, virtually all cases of asbestosis and asbestos-related cancers are not identified, reported, or compensated in developing countries. Brazil provides a compelling example of this growing problem. To stem the epidemic of asbestos-related diseases, Brazil, and many other countries, must adopt the total ban on asbestos use now in effect in more developed countries. Obstacles to accomplishing this in developing countries are daunting.

Embryos of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus were incubated for different periods of time in various concentrations of Zinc-ethylenebisdithiocarbamate (ZINEB) in artificial (or natural) sea water. Dramatic developmental modifications have been observed after 48 hour treatment with 0.4 ug/ml ZINEB solution. The abnormalities concern the formation of spiculae.