Archive for category Exposure
South African Communities Contaminated by Asbestos
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Exposure on November 9, 2009
A recent study by the Conservation Support Services (CSS) South Africa has show many communities are contaminated by asbestos. Regions known for former mining activities showed high levels of asbestos in the community. Reports show the mines may have been cleaned up, but the asbestos containing materials used to build homes, schools, roads, and other structures are now deteriorating and exposing the residents to deadly asbestos.
Many challenges face these communities including lack of funding for rehabilitation, scale of the problem and incidence in rural rather than urban areas. Advocates also feel education and awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure need to increase, so that people can reduce their risk of exposure. Researchers are hoping the study will help to bring awareness and solutions to this ongoing issue.
More information at Asbestos banned, but legacy continues
James Hardie Asbestos Fund May Run Out
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Exposure, Legal on October 26, 2009
Australian press reported today, the James Hardie asbestos compensation fund may run out of money by mid-2010 according to current figures. In 2006 the company started the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) to assist victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases (developed as a result of asbestos exposure from products they manufactured).
The original fund was 1.8 billion dollars and is currently estimated at 84.2 million dollars. If the fund continues to pay asbestos settlements at the estimated rate, the fund will be depleted in 2010. One consequence could be victims receiving installments rather than full amounts or payments being delayed. Others fear no compensation could result if the fund runs out.
Part of the funding agreement between James Hardie, the AICF and NSW government states the company will contribute either the projected amount owed to victims or 35 per cent of its annual free cash flow. The corporation has not made contributions to the fund because it has not had positive cash flow. Hardie plans to provide an update on settlement funds after November 23rd when they release half-year results. A decision about contributions to the fund will be made in the Spring after their fiscal year ends March 31st.
Victims’ advocates and government officials are urging the government to step in to fill the gap if necessary. All are hoping for a quick resolution so victims and families won’t have to deal with partial payments and delays in addition to the stress of coping with their diseases.
Read more at Asbestos fund could run out by mid-2010
Asbestos Petition Started in Canada
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Exposure, Legislation on October 14, 2009
Canada’s asbestos practices have been in the news over the past several months. Some have criticized the federal government for failing to ban the mining and sale of asbestos. They have also expressed outrage about the government continuing to export asbestos to third world countries.
Last week, Crissy Sinopole, Sarnia-Lambton NDP Candidate, started a petition demanding an asbestos ban. The petition is currently being circulated and will be presented later this month in the House of Commons. Sinopole comments “this is 1oo percent preventable” when talking about the long term consequences from asbestos exposure such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.
The petition is a step in the right direction, but has a long way to go in reaching the goal of an asbestos ban. I”ll keep an eye on this as the U.S. struggles with the same issue.
Read the full story: NDP candidate launches asbestos petition
Experts Ask for Asbestos Ban in Dubai
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Exposure, Industry on September 29, 2009
Last night, Charles Faulkner, principle consultant at WSP Environment and Energy, did a presentation on asbestos in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). During his presentation he spoke about the reasons he believes the UAE should ban all asbestos-containing materials. Mr. Faulkner and other experts are concerned about the safety of those handling and disposing of asbestos.
Despite the dangers of asbestos exposure being widely known for many years, reports show the UAE imports more asbestos than other Middle Eastern countries. It continues to be used regularly in construction. He states that as long as asbestos continues to be used – it will continue to be a public hazard. Long term affects of asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. He urges government officials to impose an asbestos ban.
Experts in Dubai are not alone. Asbestos is still not banned in the U.S. and other countries around the world. We could learn from countries such as Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt who all have a full asbestos ban.
Read the article: Plea for asbestos ban
Australian Government to Publish Asbestos Information
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Exposure, Mesothelioma on September 28, 2009
The Daily Telegraph printed an article today about the school asbestos registers in Queensland, Australia not being kept up to date. A private asbestos auditor inspected 5 schools and found the information to be out of date. In response, the government claims it will publish an updated register of schools containing asbestos. There is some concern about maintaining current asbestos registers and implementing asbestos management plans.
Asbestos in school continues to be an issue in Australia and worldwide. I can’t stress enough – the importance of accurate information, but more importantly asbestos management plans to avoid long term consequences of asbestos exposure. Children and staff could be at risk for asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Incidence of these diseases could be reduced by taking appropriate measures to insure the safety of our children and those that care for them in the schools.
Read the article: Queensland School Asbestos Registers “Not Updated”
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Welcome to the Mesothelioma Resource Center blog - a source of information and support for patients and their families. Learn More
Mellissa Hayon is the Senior Clinical Social Worker at Sokolove Law, and she's here to provide you with the latest information and updates as well as address any questions or concerns you may have.