Is asbestos banned in Chile?

Chile banned asbestos in 2001. Older buildings may still contain asbestos materials. Use our free risk checker to assess your property.

SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #035

Chile

Supreme Decree 656 (issued September 12, 2000, published January 13, 2001) bans the production, import, distribution, sale, and use of all types of asbestos. The ban resulted from five years of consultative debate involving politicians, civil servants, asbestos victims, trade unionists, and environmental NGOs. Canada's Prime Minister personally attempted to reverse the chrysotile ban in June 2001 but was unsuccessful.

2001Full Ban

2001

Year Banned

9.7

per million/yr

Mesothelioma Rate

—

Data not available

1960s-1990s

Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

1930s
1. 1935Event
  Pizarreño company begins manufacturing asbestos-cement products in Chile, contaminating workers and surrounding neighborhoods for over 60 years
  ↗ Source
1990s
1. 1998Event
  Pizarreño ceases use of asbestos in manufacturing after decades of production
  ↗ Source
2000s
1. 2000Legislation
  Ministry of Health issues Supreme Decree 656 (September 12) banning all asbestos production, import, distribution, sale, and use
  ↗ Source
2. 2001Legislation
  Decree 656 published in Official Journal (January 13) and becomes effective June 13, 2001. Canadian PM Chretien calls Chilean President Lagos to reverse chrysotile ban — attempt fails
  ↗ Source
2010s
1. 2019Event
  Highest mesothelioma mortality rate recorded in Chile during 2017-2022 study period (0.97 per 100,000 inhabitants)
  ↗ Source

Key Figures in Detail

Context and sources behind the numbers

2001Ban Year

All forms of asbestos have been banned since 2001. Buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos materials.

9.7Mesothelioma Rate

9.7 cases per million people per year. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, with a latency period of 20–50 years.

This rate indicates significant historical asbestos exposure in the population.

Source year: 2022

1960s-1990sPeak 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

asbestos-cement water pipes

MODERATENon-friable

1930–1990

vinyl-asbestos floor tiles

MODERATENon-friable

1950–1980

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

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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.

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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 →