Following the fact that diatomaceous earth bath mats imported and sold from China contain asbestos that exceeds the standard, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is involved in strengthening the check system when importing. We have decided to revise the ministerial ordinance.
Since December last year, it has become clear that asbestos exceeding the standard is contained in diatomaceous earth bath mats and coasters sold at furniture stores, home improvement stores, supermarkets, etc., and the target of voluntary collection is 3 million. It goes up above the point.
No health hazards have been confirmed so far.
As a result of investigation by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, these products were manufactured and imported in China.
The manufacture and sale of some asbestos is not banned in China, and it seems that Japanese companies did not thoroughly investigate whether asbestos was included when importing.
For this reason, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to revise the relevant ministerial ordinances in order to strengthen the check system when importing.
Specifically, when importing bath mats made mainly of diatomaceous earth, the company analyzes the ingredients of the product at the laboratory and does not contain asbestos that exceeds the standard in a document that describes the results. It is obligatory to confirm that.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will consult with the council next month on a draft amendment to the ministerial ordinance, aiming for enforcement within the year.