1934Event
India's first asbestos factory established in Kymore, Madhya Pradesh, by Turner and Newall Plc (UK). The colonial-era industry creates the foundation for India's asbestos-cement manufacturing sector.
↗ SourceSENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #078
India
India banned domestic asbestos mining effective 1993 (by ceasing renewal of mining leases) and banned asbestos waste in ship recycling in 2011. However, chrysotile asbestos imports and use in manufacturing remain fully legal. India is the world's largest asbestos importer, importing 485,182 tonnes (56% of global imports) in 2023, primarily for asbestos-cement roofing sheets used in low-income housing. In 2025, the Education Ministry banned asbestos in centrally-funded government schools (KVs and JNVs). No comprehensive national ban exists.
1993Partial Ban
1993
Year Banned
—
Mesothelioma Rate
Tens of millions of homes,…
Buildings at Risk
1980–present
Peak Usage Era
Regulatory Timeline
1930s
1990s
- 1993Legislation
Government of India ceases renewal of asbestos mining leases, effectively banning domestic asbestos mining. Chrysotile imports and manufacturing use remain fully legal.
↗ Source
2000s
- 2004Event
India blocks consensus at Rotterdam Convention COP-1 to list chrysotile asbestos under Annex III (Prior Informed Consent procedure), the first of multiple blocking actions spanning two decades.
↗ Source
2010s
- 2011Court Ruling
Supreme Court of India dismisses writ petition in Kalyaneshwari v. Union of India, declining to order a national asbestos ban. Court issues directions for strict adherence to existing regulations.
↗ Source
2020s
- 2025Legislation
Ministry of Education bans asbestos in new construction and refurbishment of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (central government schools) — India's first formal sector-specific asbestos restriction.
↗ Source
Stories of Resistance
The people who fought for change.
Gopal Krishna
ADVOCACY LEADER2000–presentCo-founder of the Ban Asbestos Network of India (BANI) and Toxics Watch Alliance; environmental lawyer who used the RTI Act in 2008 to expose government asbestos health documents, and filed NHRC complaint in 2011
Led India's sustained civil society campaign against asbestos for 22+ years; secured the 2025 Education Ministry ban on asbestos in government schools — the first formal sector-specific restriction in India's history
↗ Source1993Ban Year
Asbestos is partially regulated. Some forms remain legal, meaning exposure risk persists in both old and newer construction.
Buildings at Risk
Estimated scope of asbestos-containing materials still present in the built environment.
- Tens of millions of homes, schools, and industrial buildings with asbestos-cement roofing and sheeting
- ~79% of Dalit households estimated to live under asbestos roofs
1980–presentPeak Usage Era
The period when asbestos was most heavily used in construction. Buildings from this era have the highest probability of containing asbestos materials.
Material Identification Guide
Common materials still present in buildings
asbestos-cement roofing sheets
HIGH RISKNon-friable
1930–2000
brake linings
HIGH RISKFriable
1920–2000
asbestos-cement water pipes
MODERATENon-friable
1930–1990
gaskets
↗Learn moreWhat To Do If You Live Here
- Some uses of asbestos are still permitted in your country.
- Older and some newer buildings may contain asbestos materials.
- Always consult a certified professional before renovating.
- Check local regulations for specific exemptions in your area.
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Last updated: 2026-04-07
Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.
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