This week represents a critical point in the protection of people around the world from the dangers of chrysotile asbestos. Canada is one of the world's leading exporters of chrysotile asbestos but has little use for it at home. Ninety-six percent of the production from the three operating mines in Eastern Québec is exported. Canada has been standing in the way of chrysotile being listed on the Rotterdam Convention which would require that countries receive full information about the hazards and give their consent for imports to occur. The convention meetings are occurring October 27 to 31 and Canada has yet to officially announce its position.