Yesterday (18/09), a hearing began which could result in the removal of the privileged status currently enjoyed by the Brazilian Chrysotile Institute (IBC), a body which represents the interests of the national asbestos industry.

The legal action was initiated by a prosecutor from the Brazilian asbestos mining state of Goiás; should it succeed, the IBC will lose both its status as "a social entity of public interest" and its ability to qualify for government grants. Observers report that the courtroom was packed with individuals representing vested interests from industry, trade unions and the Government.

(International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, 19/09/2009)