Just wanted to quickly share a letter many of us here received from Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass. The letter from the Senator was in response to letters that were sent to him and other U.S. Senators via the Ban Asbestos Now campaign.

While the Senator makes no promise to introduce legislation or indicate where he stands on the issue, it’s still good to hear there are some on Capitol Hill hearing our concerns. There is still lots of work to be done before we see a ban on asbestos use in the U.S., this is a promising first step:

Dear Mr. *********,

Thank you for passing along your thoughts about asbestos usage. As always, I value your input on this and other issues, and strive to keep you updated on the important issues facing us today.

I understand your concerns about asbestos. As you may know, asbestos is classified as a known carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Research studies have repeatedly shown that asbestos can have harmful effects on humans.

In March 2007, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Ban Asbestos in America Act (S. 742), which would have reduced the health risks posed by asbestos-containing material. This legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent on October 4, 2007. However, no further action was taken on it by the House of Representatives before the end of the 110th Congress.

Since then, similar legislation has not been introduced in the Senate. That said, should asbestos related legislation come before the full Senate for debate in the future, I will keep your thoughts in mind. Like you, I believe we must look at ways to safely and efficiently remove asbestos and limit its harmful exposure.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact me or visit my website at www.scottbrown.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
Scott P. Brown
United States Senator

The debate about compensation for people suffering from pleural plaques continues in the U.K.  Pleural plaques are a scarring of the lungs due to asbestos exposure.  Victims of pleural plaques are at risk for developing fatal asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer.  The U.K. government has been reviewing a law that denies pleural plaque suffers compensation.  The debate has been taking place since the Fall.

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.

An email campaign to support an asbestos ban was started in the Philippines this week.  The campaign is spearheaded by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the Associated Labor Unions (ALU)  the Building and Woodworkers International (BWI).  They are urging the Senate to pass Bill 741 which would ban asbestos, a mineral known to cause fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases. 

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

Last week scientists and researchers made an appeal to Canadian government to stop exporting deadly asbestos.  Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.  A letter signed by over one hundred prominent figures in this field was presented to Premier Jean Charest prior to his trade mission trip to India today.  The letter outlined several reports documenting the dangers of asbestos and the belief that it is nearly impossible to  handle safely. 

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

In October I wrote about the UK legislation reviewing the  Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions)  Bill in a post titled “UK May Overturn Asbestos-Related Conditions Law”.  I again wrote on this topic in December when they were being criticized for taking too long to change the law (read the original post – “UK Government Under Pressure Regarding Asbestos Compensation Laws”).  The law was in the news again last week as insurers challenged the Act allowing pleural plaque victims to receive compensation.

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.

Over the weekend Democrats introduced their health care package which includes a provision that would assist the people in Libby, Montana who have been exposed to asbestos.    The language is vague proposing an expansion of Medicare for “victims of environmental health hazards.”  It also refers to the federal government’s declaration of a public health emergency on June 17th.  This declaration was for the residents of Libby, Montana many of whom have been affected by mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.  Connecting the dots – one can see the provision is meant to assist those exposed to deadly asbestos from the vermiculite mine located in Libby.

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”

Libby, Montana has been in the news a lot this year, most recently for two major initiatives to assist those affected by asbestos exposure.  After Libby was declared a public health emergency back in June a $6 million grant was designated to treat residents with asbestos-related diseases.  The grant will provide much needed medical care in two categories – screenings and health care.

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

Yesterday a house panel approved a bill that would ban all use of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.  The bill would prohibit importation, manufacture, processing, use and distribution of asbestos.  The asbestos ban will need to be approved by the plenary before implementation.  Legislators are pushing to come to a resolution on this bill before the close of this year’s Congress.  Supporters feel an urgent need to move swiftly to reduce continued exposure risks.

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

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) released a statement today in regard to the Manhattan Beach City Council passing Resolution #6223.  The resolution urges state legislators to change California’s state rock.  Currently, California’s state rock is serpentine which often contains chrysotile 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.

Australia’s Construction Workers Union is fighting the Industrial Relations Minister over proposed occupational health and safety laws.  A new law has been drafted that would make it more difficult for unions to investigate unsafe conditions at work sites.  The union recently informed the public about asbestos at the Pickles Auctions, under the new law union representatives would be penalized for the same action.  The Union is pushing to maintain their rights to protect workers.

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