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Posts Tagged ‘mesothelioma’

Asbestos is a is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their asbestiform habit, long, (1:20) thin fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, Mesothelioma (a formerly rare cancer strongly associated with exposure to asbestos), and asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis). Since January 1, 2005, the European Union has banned all use of asbestos and extraction, manufacture and processing of asbestos products. (wikipedia)

The most common people who gets exposed to asbestos are the builders as asbestos is a compound used in construction materials. This is why a campaign to ban asbestos in the Philippines was made.

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.

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.

Join Ban Asbestos Philippines Today!