Israel Approves Draft Bill for Prevention of Asbestos Hazards
At the end of last month, Israel’s Ministerial committee for Legislation approved an asbestos bill that for the first time will identify, regulate and treat asbestos hazards throughout the country. The Law for the Prevention of Asbestos Hazards contains several provisions:
- Banning new use of asbestos and stopping the use of friable asbestos.
- Allowing the Ministry of Environmental Protection and local authorities to license, inspect and enforce safety regulations according to the new law.
- Cleaning up the Western Galilee project, with half of the expenses to come from asbestos manufacturers, producers, and marketers.
- Training and licensing asbestos abatement specialists.
- Protecting asbestos workers and the general public from exposure
- Determining guidelines for disposal of asbestos and location of an authorized asbestos disposal site
One site in particular is known to pose a high health hazard, the Western Galilee area. Similar to the Libby, Montana site in the United States, this area was home to a factory that produced asbestos cement for 45 years, until the late 1990’s. In addition, asbestos containing cement was used to pave roadways and public and private walkways throughout the area.
Each year in Israel there is an increasing number of illnesses due to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, where all types and all levels of exposure pose a threat of increased chance of contracting asbestos related cancers and diseases. One particular disease linked to asbestos is mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Dozens of new cases of mesothelioma each year are being diagnosed in Israel, with the Acre sub-district in northern Israel being rated as the second in the world for this type of cancer.
The new bill is intended to address not only labor issues around exposure to asbestos, but also includes a broader environmental perspective, following in the steps of the United States, which has comprehensive regulatory policies in regards to the handling, management, removal and disposal of any asbestos containing product.
Many pro-health and environmental activists have voiced their support and have hope that the new legislation will be passed and help save the lives of dozens of people who die each year due to exposure to asbestos.
To find out more information about asbestos, asbestos containing products, protecting against asbestos exposure, asbestos lawsuits, and mesothelioma treatments, please visit www.mesothelioma-attorney.com or www.helping-mesothelioma-patients.org.
