Canadian government accused of delaying report on asbestos danger
Exporting asbestos to developing nations is big business in Canada. A government-funded expert panel has completed a report that is believed to undermine any justification for Canada’s continuing exportation of asbestos to developing countries. The members of the committee are not permitted to reveal the contents of the report, but some have said they think the government’s delay of its release is political and motivated by the desire to continue asbestos exports. An editorial in the Canadian Medial Association Journal has accused the government of suppressing the report.
Experts say that the report uncovered nothing that contradicts the long-standing recognition that asbestos causes lung cancer, asbestos and mesothelioma, an aggressive asbestos-related cancer that attacks the membrane surrounding the lungs, heart or abdomen.
Canada’s asbestos industry and trade delegations have said that the export of chrysotile asbestos is safe if the countries using it manage it safely and effectively. The CMA Journal editorial points out that if is unreasonable to believe countries like India, Thailand and Indonesia will be able to manage asbestos safely when the most technologically advanced countries in the world have failed to do so. But still the Canadian government pours millions into lobbying for the country’s asbestos industry.
For the full story, go to Canada’s The Gazette.
