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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #007

Argentina

First Latin American country to ban asbestos. Resolution 845/2000 banned amphibole asbestos on October 10, 2000. Resolution 823/2001 extended the ban to chrysotile, prohibiting all production, import, commercialization, and use effective January 1, 2003. The ban followed extensive consultation with IARC, WHO, ILO, and the Pan American Health Organization.

2001Full Ban
2001
Year Banned
—
Mesothelioma Rate
—
Data not available
1960s-1990s
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 1990s

    1. 1997Regulation

      Asbestos identified as priority in Argentina's National Plan for Rational Management of Chemical Substances; technical working group on carcinogenic substances convened

      ↗ Source

  2. 2000s

    1. 2000Legislation

      Resolution 845/2000 bans amphibole asbestos (October 10), making Argentina the first Latin American country to restrict asbestos

      ↗ Source
    2. 2001Legislation

      Resolution 823/2001 (July 26) extends ban to chrysotile asbestos, prohibiting all production, import, commercialization, and use effective January 1, 2003

      ↗ Source
    3. 2003Legislation

      Complete asbestos ban takes full effect — all types of asbestos and asbestos-containing products prohibited in Argentina

      ↗ Source

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement water pipes

MODERATENon-friable

1930–1990

vinyl-asbestos floor tiles

MODERATENon-friable

1950–1980

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

thermal insulation

HIGH RISKFriable

1935–1978

↗Learn more

What To Do If You Live Here

  • Your country has banned asbestos, but older buildings may still contain legacy materials.
  • Buildings built before the ban year may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Hire a certified asbestos surveyor before any renovation or demolition work.
  • Do not disturb older building materials without professional testing.

Check Your Property

Enter your building's age and type for a personalized asbestos risk assessment.

Check My Property's Risk

Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →