South Africa has banned the production, processing and use of asbestos containing materials. The move comes after a ten year programme of phasing out asbestos production.
The country used to be one of the worlds biggest exporters of asbestos being responsible for 97% of the world's crocidolite, 100% of the amosite and was the fifth largest producer of chrysotile.
South African companies have been given 120 days to clear their stock of any asbestos containment materials.