Citing a lack of standards or plans for asbestos management in schools (and other public buildings), the report backs the The Mirror’s “Asbestos Timebomb” campaign, which has called for a public register of asbestos surveys in all public buildings.

ATAC took a small sample of Britain’s 25,000 schools, and concluded that the problem of asbestos in public buildings is not being solved by current asbestos law that says it is safe if left undisturbed.

About 13,000 of the country’s schools were built between 1945 and 1974 when asbestos use was at its peak, according to The Mirror.

“The increasing number of mesothelioma deaths (an asbestos-related disease) amongst teachers and support staff is testament that the policy of management has failed,” the report says.

With the support of Members of Parliament, Teachers’ unions and asbestos advocates will take the report to the Minister of Schools and demand a change in the policy and asbestos law.  Supporters seek a public register of asbestos surveys in all public buildings, including schools.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to read the ATAC report.

In 2008, Canada exported 175,000 tons of chrysotile asbestos, almost all of it to developing countries such as India, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Chrysotile accounts for about 94% of global asbestos production and is considered a carcinogen by the WHO (World Health Organization). It is estimated that tens of thousands of people worldwide are diagnosed every year with asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Anti-asbestos protesters are accusing the Charest government of hypocrisy for exporting the mineral to the developing world while, at the same time, spending millions of dollars to remove it from public buildings in Canada.

According to the Montreal Gazette, Charest drew sharp criticism from a group of Canadian physicians who accuse him of misrepresenting the position of the WHO.

On the trade mission, he told La Presse “Chrysotile (asbestos) can be used in a safe manner; this is what WHO reports say. It is not a banned substance. It is up to the government of India to put the necessary laws in place.”

The physicians sent the Premier a letter denouncing this claim.  “Premier Charest, you have the right to oppose the WHO position. However, and especially because of the public trust in your position, you do not have the right to misrepresent the WHO position as being what you perhaps wish it were, instead of what it is,” the letter says.

Click here for the full article.

CSR applied to separate it’s sugar division into a newly listed company called Sucrogen.  This would leave a smaller CSR building products group which would be responsible for asbestos-related liabilities on its own.  CSR claims it would not have the same problems with estimating future liabilities as the James Hardie fund.  The company reports a thorough investigation of potential asbestos liability before making the proposed application.

The judges decision is based on the difficulty of forecasting these asbestos claims accurately and that CSR would not have access to Sucrogen’s assets if they ran out of funds for compensation.  CSR still has options including appealing the decision, retaining  or selling off the sugar division.

To read the full story:  History was against CSR on asbestos

They state an alarming figure that one of two people in Northern Cape communities will be affected by an asbestos-related disease.  Asbestos is known to cause fatal diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer.  These diseases have a long latency period of 10 – 40 years.  Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have devastating affects on victims and their families as their is currently no cure for this disease.

The author goes on to speak about the financial and economic hardships the mining industry has imposed on its workers and their communities.  Original article:  SA mining’s shameful history of exploitation

For me, this is another glaring example of the importance of increased awareness about the dangers of asbestos and a global asbestos ban.  Individuals and communities need to be aware of ways to minimize asbestos exposure.  But more importantly, leaders and government officials need to take action in safeguarding the people working in and living around these mines.

Esso was just required to pay a large sum to the widow of a man who died of asbestos-related cancer.  Nestle is in a case where the victim died of mesothelioma.  Both families sought compensation alleging the companies knew the dangers of asbestos and didn’t have workers use adequate protection if any at all when handling asbestos.  Cases like these may be the just beginning if the current law is overturned.

The country and the world is watching to how this legislation will be decided.  I’ll write more as its reviewed by the House Lords in the upcoming weeks.

More information at Asbestos ruling sees firms face huge claims

The Union is also advocating for an asbestos registry of people who have had asbestos exposure through their workplace.  The registry could help victims if they develop asbestos-related illness in the future.  The Union is working with victims and advocates to move this project forward.  For additional information about the registry or to sign up:  AWU National Asbestos Register

To read the ABC News article – Union anger over asbestos safety

Since the agreement to share costs is no longer in place, they have been placing undue stress and burden on asbestos exposure victims.  The companies have asked victims, who were likely exposed decades ago, to identify which asbestos sheeting and roofing they were exposed to.  The arguing between companies has also lead to delays in the settlement of victims’ cases. 

Victims suffering from mesothelioma often don’t have long to live and would like to see their cases resolved quickly.   Victims, families, and advocates are calling for swifter resolution between James Hardie and CSR.

The Australian article: “Cruel and inhumane” squabble puts asbestos victims in limbo

Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure being widely known for many years, reports show the UAE imports more asbestos than other Middle Eastern countries.  It continues to be used regularly in construction.  He states that as long as asbestos continues to be used – it will continue to be a public hazard.  Long term affects of asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.  He urges government officials to impose an asbestos ban.

Experts in Dubai are not alone.  Asbestos is still not banned in the U.S. and other countries around the world.   We could learn from countries such as Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt who all have a full asbestos ban.

Read the article:  Plea for asbestos ban

Read the full story below:

Former James Hardie executives banned, fined over asbestos compensation

Arguments were kicked off by the prosecution this morning with the defense’s closing argument being presented in the afternoon.

W.R. Grace is accused of conspiring to conceal the dangers brought on by asbestos exposure brought on by the company’s vermiculite mines that were closed in the early 1990’s. Many residents in the area have contracted mesothelioma, the deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure, and they feel they have W.R. Grace to blame.

Learn more about your asbestos legal options.