International Campaign to Ban Asbestos

Around the world Campaign to Ban Asbestos (February 5, 2011) Anti-asbestos advocates called for a world wide campaign against the use of asbestos to reduce the increasing risk of mesotheliomacancer. Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that became increasingly common in the 19th and 20th centuries among manufacturing and construction industries because of its useful properties such as average tensile strength, sound absorption and resistance to heat, electricity and chemical. However, recent studies showed that prolonged asbestos exposure can lead to significant health difficulties such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects protective linings of the lungs, abdomen and heart. In a study conducted last year titled The Case for a Global Ban on Asbestos researchers found that personnel who were exposed to a substantial amount of these carcinogens were likely to suffer and die from these aforementioned asbestos-related diseases in their lifetimes. With out exceptions, researchers have mentioned there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. A U.S. federal regulatory board noted that when any asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged and become airborne, the asbestos fibers will then be inhaled and fester within the lungs for decades, developing different types of asbestos cancer. Those communities who are in close proximity to these toxic materials are not exempt from an increased threat of malignant mesothelioma. Meanwhile, studies said that two million tons of asbestos are still being produced each year even though all forms of asbestos have been prohibited in 52 countries. Among the countries that already ban the operation and use of these carcinogens are Russia, UK, Australia and Vietnam. However, despite the best efforts of international organizations and anti-asbestos support groups, some countries like Canada and India still promote asbestos use globally. Asbestos still remains widely used in many countries around the earth, including the Usa.

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