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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #080

Iran

Ban on chrysotile asbestos enacted in 2021, with Iran's representative to the Rotterdam Convention confirming the full ban in June 2022. A 2000 law by the Department of Environment had stipulated a 7-year phase-out, but that deadline passed unenforced. Studies in Shiraz found 70% of sampling sites with high to very high airborne asbestos fibre concentrations, with motor vehicle traffic as the primary contamination source.

2022Full Ban
2022
Year Banned
—
Mesothelioma Rate
—
Data not available
1970s-2000s
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 2000s

    1. 2000Regulation

      Department of Environment passes law stipulating a 7-year phase-out period for asbestos use in Iran

      ↗ Source
    2. 2007Event

      Phase-out deadline passes unenforced; asbestos continues to be used in construction and industrial applications

      ↗ Source

  2. 2020s

    1. 2021Legislation

      Iran bans chrysotile asbestos, with other asbestos forms having been restricted earlier

      ↗ Source
    2. 2022Legislation

      Iran's representative to the Rotterdam Convention confirms the full national asbestos ban (June 2022)

      ↗ Source

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

thermal insulation board

HIGH RISKFriable

1935–1978

asbestos gaskets

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–1990

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

↗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 →