The proposals are a result of years of campaigning by advocates, who have fought for better treatment, support and compensation for victims and their families even after the 2007 legal setback.

Included in the measures are:

• The creation of an Employers’ Liability Tracing Office, which helps victims track down a company’s insurer (at the time of exposure).  Since many manufacturers of asbestos products are no longer in business, finding their insurers from a given period has been extremely difficult.

• The creation of an Employers’ Liability Bureau which will act as a fund of last resort in the event the insurer cannot be found.  Victims will receive compensation from this fund, if necessary.

• Increased upfront payments for mesothelioma victims.

• A series of payments of £5,000 for people who had begun, but not yet resolved a legal claim for compensation at the time of the 2007 ruling.

• A pledge to increase funding for mesothelioma research.

A local coroner, William Armstrong, supports the plans.  He told the Norwich Evening News,  “I deal with a substantial number of inquests into people who have died from asbestos-related diseases and the numbers seem to be growing.

“There are unfortunately people who have been exposed to asbestos many years before the condition manifests itself and many of them die in very distressing circumstances.

“Anything that can be done to help their relatives and loved ones claim the compensation to which they are entitled is very much to be welcomed.”

Ministers have also vowed to set up a working group consisting of mesothelioma lawyers, unions, insurers, the judiciary and civil servants to review asbestos law practices and procedures for obtaining compensation.  They also hope to streamline the process in order to reduce the time it takes for cases to conclude.

Click here for the full article.

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.

Rulings have already been made in Scotland and Ireland entitling pleural plaque sufferers to file a claim for compensation.  England and Wales do not allow compensation at this time.   Opponents to allowing compensation include insurance companies and government officials who fear a large increase in costs associated with asbestos related claims. 

The new proposal does include a package to assist people suffering some asbestos-related diseases.  Victims diagnosed with mesothelioma may have increased compensation.  The government also states a research center for diseases linked to asbestos exposure would be created.  And insurers would be required to set up funds for those dying of asbestos-related diseases that don’t have employers’ insurance.

To read more about both sides:  Asbestos victims could lose out and Aviva, Zurich May Face ‘Spiral” of New Asbestos Claims in U.K.

The groups expressed their concern for workers and their families from exposure to asbestos.  They state the only way to protect workers from asbestos exposure and future health risks is to ban the substance.  The bill was introduced in 2007 and a similar bill has already passed in the House of Representatives.  Supporters of the ban feel delays in passing this bill will prolong risks to workers and the public.

The bill would include provisions which ban asbestos use, minimize the risks of exposure and create a system for early detection and diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases. 

Supporters are encouraged to forward emails to Senator Mar Roxas as the Committee Chair.

For more information:  Senate urged to pass bill banning asbestos

Critics of Canada’s asbestos export practice point out the nations alarming rate of asbestos-related disease and efforts to remove asbestos from their schools, hospitals and other buildings.  All while exporting large quantities of the same dangerous mineral to third world countries.  The Premier is expected to encounter anti-asbestos protesters while in India discussing asbestos trade.  He continues to express his support of their asbestos export practices.

Other supporters of Canada’s asbestos export to third world countries speak about safe handling practices and the encouragement of companies who buy asbestos to follow the 1986 Asbestos Convention of the International Labour Organizations guidelines.  They argue that other potentially dangerous products are in the international market and that asbestos should not be singled out.

Read the original article:  Quebec accused of hypocrisy on asbestos exports

At the end of 2009 the Holyrood law overturned the  previous House of Lords decision denying rights of people suffering from pleural plaques.  It opened the door for victims suffering from this condition, caused by asbestos exposure, to receive compensation.  As a result of this ruling the UK insurance companies filed a complaint to try to invalidate the legislative decision.  After an almost month long trial, Judge Lord Emslie denied the bid made by the insurance companies allowing the current Damages Act to remain in place.  Legislators agree with the judges decision as those suffering from pleural plaques are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions.

The Association of British Insurers is disappointed with the decision and is considering filing an appeal.  They do state that they remain committed to continuing compensation for victims suffering from mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related conditions.

Workers and other advocates are applauding the judges decision.  They feel this is a victory for the victims suffering from this asbestos-related condition, their loved ones and for the parliament supporting this legislation.

More information at Scottish asbestos law challenge rejected and Appeal over asbestos law ruling.

The plan includes other proposals including expanded health care benefits for more than 30 million people.  It also has provisions that would assist specific state issues.  State leaders are weighing in on their issues and parties are taking sides.

Victims, families and advocates should watch how this progresses as the health care package weaves through our legislative process.  The Senate is hoping for a final vote on Christmas Eve.

For the complete story “Deep in Health Bill, Very Specific Beneficiaries”

Screenings and diagnostic tests for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer are expensive.  This new grant will allow people to get initial screening and be tested more often.  Better screening can lead to earlier diagnosis, increased treatment options, and better quality of life.  The screenings began November 16th.

The health care component will assist in two ways.  For patients that have existing health coverage, the money will cover remaining treatment costs.  For patients without health insurance, the funds will cover their treatment costs.  Health benefits started on November 9th.

The second grant will allow a team of researchers to investigate the disease pathology in Libby and determine recommended cleanup efforts.  The project is know as the Libby Epidemiology Research Program and is a collaboration between Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Libby’s Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), researchers from the University of Montana and Idaho State University, and a national scientific advisory group.  The $4.8 million grant is provided by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The research will cover three topics related to asbestos exposure in Libby.  The first area will focus on risks of asbestos exposure during childhood in the town.  The second area will compare lung scarring for residents exposed only in the environment (not their place of employment).  The last area being studied is the relationship between autoimmune disorders, autoimmune antibody abnormalities, and CT-scan evidence of scarring lung disease specific to the those exposed to asbestos asbestos in Libby, Montana.

Both initiatives should provide some relief to the residents who have been devastated by the affects of asbestos exposure for decades. 

For more information:  Federal Funding for Libby Health Care Begins and Study on asbestos-related diseases in Libby launched

Currently, the Philippines have banned the use of brown (amosite) and blue (crosilodite) asbestos.  The new bill will include white (chrysolite) asbestos which continues to be used in fire proofing products, roofing felts, asbestos cement roofing and flat sheets.

Advocates spoke about the long term consequences of asbestos exposure including mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.  They also discussed second hand exposure risks to families of workers who are exposed to asbestos.

I applaud the Philippines and their efforts to work towards a full ban of asbestos.  I hope other countries continue to take action resulting in a global asbestos ban and decrease in amount of people affected by deadly asbestos.

Complete story – House panel approves bill seeking to ban use of asbestos

ADAO has begun a “Drop the Rock” campaign which encourages statewide action on this issue.  The Manhattan Beach resolution to repeal serpentine as the state rock is the first official request to CA legislature.  The organization supports this change because asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.  They hope the campaign will bring about a change in the state rock and also increase awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

For more information visit the ADAO website.