Unfortunately asbestos containing products are still being manufactured and in common use within China. This has created problems in foreign operated factories and ships. Of particular concern is the continued use of asbestos cloth being marketed for welding / fire blankets and similar uses. Asbestos containing gaskets - used in pipe flange joints etc. - are also in common use and can be introduced into previously asbestos-free areas during pipe replacement.

Previous incidents have included :

Contamination of ships during dockyard repair when asbestos cloth welding blankets are used by dock workers.

Contamination of rolled steel coils and other pressed-metal goods which have been lain on asbestos cloth during manufacture. The asbestos cloth adheres to the metal and has contaminated ships holds during transport.

Pipe replacement work has introduced asbestos containing gaskets into previously asbestos-free ships and machinery in factory units.

Asbestos debris from welding blanket

Asbestos cloth debris on rolled steel coil

Asbestos cloth welding blanket