Asbestos from Quebec Causes Mesothelioma Deaths in Mexico
Last week, we stated clearly in an article that we did NOT support the continued use of mining and exportation of asbestos from Canada. Almost all of the chrysotile asbestos mined in Quebec gets sent to third world, developing countries that do not have the knowledge or protections against the use of asbestos. This means that thousands of people every day in other less industrialized countries are getting exposed to a deadly substance that will later cause fatal diseases.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is the deadliest, with a short survival time from time of diagnosis and no known cure. Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos is inhaled or ingested into the body and later develops into a cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
Recently, Quebec is being called to ban all mining and export of asbestos due to the known dangers. Despite this, the Canadian government continues to claim that chrysotile asbestos doesn’t need to pose a threat if used under controlled conditions. What anti-asbestos researchers and groups argue though is that asbestos is not managed properly and workers and people in undeveloped countries are being exposed daily. With good reason, they call for a total ban of the use and exportation of the asbestos.
Occupational health experts and researchers in Mexico recently published results of a study that documents the high number of asbestos related deaths, including mesothelioma, in their country, attributing the illnesses to exposure to chrysotile asbestos.
The researchers found that workplace safety standards were poorly lacking in Mexico, as is the case in many other developing countries as well, and that workers were being exposed without any knowledge of the toxicity and dangers of asbestos.
The team of researchers is also calling for a total ban of asbestos and says that stopping importation and use is truly the only real way to completely eliminate any risk and prevent any exposure. Perhaps as more is publicized about the fatal effects of exposure to asbestos that is occurring in other countries, Quebec will listen and the safety of all people will be placed first over profit.
